Tom Rutherford

Tom Rutherford - The week that was - 28 September

28 Sep 2024

The Week That Was - 28 September 2024

Simon Bridges and I both attended an event in Napier recently while I was in there with local MP Katie Nimon.

It was awesome catching up with the former Tauranga MP and now Chair of NZTA.

Investigating the Repair Cafe

Spent the morning at the Repair Cafe, hosted by the Tinkd Makerspace. Once a month their volunteer repairers come together and give objects destined for the landfill a second chance by attempting a repair.

It’s hosted on the last Saturday of every month and more information can be found online here: https://tinkd.nz/repair-cafe-tauranga/

Tauranga Women’s Lifestyle Expo

I had a great time doing my share, hosting our National Party display and information stall at the Tauranga Women's Lifestyle Expo. I really enjoyed speaking with many 100’s of women from the Bay of Plenty and across the upper North Island.

A young mum spoke to me about how important the introduction of FamilyBoost is going to be for their family and how the extra $975 they’ll receive every 3 months will have a massive impact. Great to get that positive feedback.

Pāpāmoa Hills - Challenge for charity

People are encouraged to get in their daily steps while contributing to charity with Pāpāmoa Lions Club’s fundraiser.

Pāpāmoa Lions Club is fundraising so that the Pāpāmoa Fire Brigade can purchase an all-terrain vehicle for responses along Pāpāmoa Beach and other rural areas inaccessible to an appliance.

This fundraiser involves The Flying Mullet Papamoa Hill Challenge, where participants walk up Pāpāmoa Hills 10 times over the course of five weeks.

This challenge begins at 9am on Sunday, October 6, and runs for a month ending at 12pm on November 9.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale and local MP Tom Rutherford will be attending the opening of the event.

The target of the event is to raise $60,000 while locals enjoy the thrilling adventure at the Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park.

So, lace up your sneakers and get ready to conquer the hills with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just looking for a fun challenge, this event is perfect for all levels.

Get ready to tackle the steep Papamoa Hill while dodging flying mullets in this adrenaline-pumping challenge. To register, visit the Eventbrite website and head to “The Flying Mullet Walking Challenge” page.

There is a $30 registration fee, entries are already well in excess of 100, and while the first 100 entries received a free T-shirt, participants can still order a souvenir walking challenge T-shirt for $25.

All participants who register will go into the draw at the end of the event to win spot prizes, including $500 cash, a $500 travel voucher, meal vouchers, a one-month gym membership and numerous other spot prizes.

The spot prizes will be drawn at the Lions Market at the Lions Market Gordon Spratt reserve Pāpāmoa at 10am On Sunday, November 10.

Full story: SunLive - Pāpāmoa Hill Challenge for charity - The Bay's News First

Papamoa Community Market this Sunday – I’ll be there!

Come on down to Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School and spend a great morning at the Pāpāmoa Community Market. It’s an all-weather market, rain, hail or shine –running every Sunday morning. Don’t worry, if it is raining, there are indoor facilities.

The Pāpāmoa Community Market will change your Sunday morning – come together with family, friends, and community to enjoy and support local businesses.

Family Boost – Be prepared

Early next week, FamilyBoost payments will start rolling out, offering financial relief to families with young children for early childhood education (ECE) costs. Families can now register through Inland Revenue’s myIR system to prepare for the first claims on 1 October.

FamilyBoost payment registrations are now open for families with young children to help with early childhood education (ECE) costs.

Eligible households in the Bay of Plenty and around the country, earning up to $180,000 can claim up to 25% of weekly ECE fees, up to $75 per week or $975 every three months.

Applications for reimbursement open on 1 October 2024 for ECE fees incurred between 1 July and 30 September, but registrations are open now through Inland Revenue's myIR system.

Inland Revenue is collaborating with ECE providers to ensure families are informed and ready to access FamilyBoost payments.

Further information:

Caregivers must register through myIR.
Caregivers can upload invoices covering the period from 1 July to 30 September once applications open on 1 October.
The payment reduces gradually for households earning between $140,000 and $180,000.
Separated parents can claim their portion of ECE costs as long as they have individual invoices.
ECE providers only need to ensure invoices contain the necessary information for families to submit their claims.

Register now at ird.govt.nz, and from 1 October, you’ll be able to claim your first payment for fees backdated from 1 July.

Building made easier!

Upcoming Residents Clinic – See you there

Looking forward to catching up with residents of Ocean Shores Avida – See below for date/details.

If you'd like me to come along to your retirement village, please reach out to my office. I'd love to meet you there, answer any questions and help with any issues.

It’s never too late to reach out

Further Information: Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation

What a team! #classof23

Highlighting the Importance of Bay of Plenty roading in Parliament.

There are 17 roads of national significance in New Zealand. (One road for every Labour MP elected in an electorate seat around the country). We choose the roads every time!

In the Bay of Plenty region, we have 2 roads of national significance:

State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Ranges connecting Tauranga with the Waikato and Auckland – The Golden Triangle
The Takitimu north link, through Te Puna and Omokoroa connecting the Tauranga, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel electorates and will move a huge amount of freight and people off local roads and onto state highways!

Exciting news for Kiwi exporters!

New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates have – in record time - concluded negotiations on a new trade agreement!

From day one, 98.5% of tariffs on our exports to the UAE will be eliminated, growing to 99% after three years.

This is New Zealand’s fastest ever trade agreement negotiation, concluding in just over 4 months.

Kiwi farmers and manufacturers will benefit from unlocked economic opportunities and stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the region.

This shows the Government’s unwavering commitment to opening doors for our exporters, reducing costs and trade barriers, as part of our wider plan to rebuild New Zealand’s economy and double our exports by value in ten years.

Road Tripping from the Capital!

Flight home to Tauranga from Wellington was cancelled on Thursday evening. Road tripping to get home. With a bit of teamwork, we arrived safely back in the Bay at 3.04am.

This week in NZ History

New Zealand answers the empire's call to arms (this week) in September 1899.

Painting of a New Zealand mounted trooper, c. 1900 (Alexander Turnbull Library, A-256-002)

Premier Richard Seddon asked Parliament to approve an offer to the British government of a contingent of mounted riflemen to serve in South Africa. Amid emotional scenes, the members overwhelmingly endorsed the motion – only five voted against it.

Hundreds of men applied to serve in the contingent, membership of which was restricted to those already serving in New Zealand’s tiny regular force or the Volunteer Force. By the time fighting began on 11 October 1899, after a Boer ultimatum over the deployment of British troops in South Africa had been ignored by London, a 215-man contingent was encamped in the Wellington suburb of Karori. Meanwhile, the Defence Department frantically gathered equipment and horses.

This Week in Parliament - Briefly

Replacement for the Resource Management Act takes shape

Two new laws will be developed to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA), with the enjoyment of property rights as their guiding principle, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

$18 million being invested in the victims of crime

The Government is putting more than $18 million towards improving the experience of the criminal justice system for victims, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say.

Kitmap to improve access to science infrastructure

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced an online platform to optimise the use of New Zealand’s science and technology research infrastructure and to link the public and private sector.

Young people report on family and sexual violence

The Te Puna Aonui Expert Advisory Group for Children and Young People has presented its report today on improving family and sexual violence outcomes for young people, to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour.

Priority One effective in getting kids into homes

Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish.

The latest data on whānau moved from emergency housing motels into social homes shows that Priority One is making a huge difference, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

Action taken on sale of nitrous oxide for recreation

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says urgent action is being taken to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide and welcomes new advice from Medsafe highlighting tougher penalties if sold for recreational purposes.

Racing Integrity Board appointments

Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced one new member and the reappointment of two existing members to the Racing Integrity Board.

New work-from-home guidance for public service

The Government wants to see more public servants come into their place of work each day and is taking steps to make this expectation clear to Chief Executives, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.

Government helping advanced aviation take off

The Government is introducing a light-touch regulatory approach to advanced aviation as it moves to give businesses certainty and boost productivity, Space Minister Judith Collins and Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced

Government helping advanced aviation take off

Supporters of Russia’s invasion targeted in further sanctions

Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions as part of the Government’s ongoing response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Government introduces revised clubs and ranges rules

Improving the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated will be the outcome of a Bill introduced today Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.

Caregivers thanked at their national conference

“Today at the Caring Families Aotearoa National Caregiver Conference I got to say a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room for all that they do for the children and young people of New Zealand.

Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

The Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its plan to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced.

Parliament Bill passes first reading

The Parliament Bill has passed its first reading this afternoon, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

“Today Parliament has taken an important step towards modernising the legislation that supports its operations.

Milestone for return of petroleum exploration

Legislation reinstating offshore petroleum exploration has been introduced by the Coalition Government, a key step in addressing the significant energy security challenges felt by Kiwis across the country this winter.

Rollout of onboard cameras to continue

The rollout of onboard cameras on commercial fishing vessels will continue and discard rules will be amended under fisheries reforms proposed by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones.

Lifting education outcomes for young Kiwis

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the passing of the Education and Training Amendment Bill shows the Government is making significant progress to lift education outcomes.

Restoration of Customary Marine Title test begins

Legislation that will provide certainty around how Customary Marine Title is granted for New Zealand’s coastlines has passed its first reading in Parliament, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says

Greater investment in FASD support and prevention

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a $4.85 million package of initiatives aimed at understanding the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), promoting better education and supporting women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy.

Changes to improve prison safety and rehabilitation

The Corrections Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, making several changes to improve safety and rehabilitation in prisons.

Tougher sentences on the horizon for criminals

Sentencing reforms that will ensure criminals face tougher consequences and victims are prioritised have passed first reading in Parliament, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

No child left behind with STAR system

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Government is delivering real solutions to get kids back in the classroom, introducing the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system.

Supercharging schools to teach maths

The coalition Government is supercharging schools to lift maths achievement by delivering new resources and more support for teachers and students for Term 1 next year.

Data shows school attendance is on the rise

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says data released shows increased school attendance in Term 2 of 2024 with 53.2 per cent of students regularly attending, an increase of 6.1 percentage points compared to the same term last year.

New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE

New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement, which will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region.

Next steps on the New Dunedin Hospital

The Government is seeking advice on two options for delivering the New Dunedin Hospital project within its existing funding appropriation to ensure the people of Dunedin get the modern, fit-for-purpose medical facilities they need.

Building a stronger weather forecasting system

The Government is looking at integrating the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the MetService to improve the weather forecasting system for New Zealand, Science, Innovation & Technology Minister Judith Collins says.

Peer Mental Health Service Launched, Further Support Planned

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the new peer support service launched in Middlemore’s Emergency Department today is a positive step towards improving mental health outcomes.

Want to make a difference? Go to school

Students should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says in response to the school climate strike planned for Friday 27^th September

Clubs and Ranges Bill passes first reading

Improvements to the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated are on the way with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passing its first reading says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

STAR attendance system template released

Associate Education spokesperson David Seymour says the Government has released a new resource to inform the introduction of Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) systems in every school.

New Game Animal Council appointments

Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay announced one new, and one returning, appointment to the Game Animal Council (GAC).

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission board appointment announced

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have announced the Government has appointed Wayne Langford to the Board of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission for a five-year term of office. Mr Langford is the National President of Federated Farmers and is also their spokesperson for mental health and wellbeing

Free mental health resources for business owners

The Government and Auckland Business Chamber have entered a memorandum of understanding which will enable mental health and wellbeing resources for business owners to be freely available, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says.

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Thanks,
Tom