The Week That Was - 7 September 2024

Hey Dads!

Father’s Day throwback! Happy Father’s Day Dad for last Sunday. Thanks for always being in my corner, it means so much to me.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, soon-to-be, wanting to be, and to the dads we’ve lost. I hope you all enjoyed your day.

Papamoa Community Markets

I spent part of Father’s Day at the Papamoa Community Market! Beautiful Bay of Plenty day for the first day of spring. Thanks to all those who came to say hi. It was great to meet you all!

Daffodil Day 2024

Collecting for Daffodil Day at Pak’nSave Pāpāmoa. Sadly, 1 in 3 New Zealanders will be affected by cancer in their lifetime, a great cause for something that affects families across the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. 

Upcoming Residents Clinics

Looking forward to catching up with the residents of Ocean Shores Avida soon. See below for dates and details.

If you'd like me to come along to your village, please reach out to my office. I'd love to meet you there.

Safer Speeds around Schools

A new School zone variable speed limit is being introduced for Pāpāmoa College to create a safer environment during school drop off and pick up times. See the photo below.

The speed limit will drop to 40km/h during peak times when electronic signs are activated. This will help keep students, staff and parents safe. The zone includes part of Doncaster Drive.

Activation times are:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8.00am – 8.35am

Wednesday: 8.20am – 8.55am

Monday – Friday: 3.00pm – 3.20pm

Installation is planned for September, with the speed zone becoming operational shortly after.

Focussing on the Future

Meet Ray and Courtney, the couple behind Future Focus early learning centres.

Ray was a school principal at just 26 and became frustrated with the huge level of red tape and bureaucracy that was being put on teachers (I couldn’t agree more!).

They went all in with their first centre in 2019, and now they’re up to five, and I’m sure there’s more on the way! It was cool to check out their Livingstone Drive centre, which is designed sort of like a New York loft. It’s not your traditional centre; Ray and Courtney have really put a big emphasis on a holistic approach when it comes to learning, nutrition, and support for both the kids and the parents.

Thanks for having me along, and thanks for what you’re doing for our community. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Future Focus - Livingstone Drive

Record transport investment for Bay of Plenty - Confirmed!

A record $1.9 billion transport investment in the Bay of Plenty over the next three years is great news and will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses in the region,

This includes upgrades to SH29 Tauriko West connections, replacing the SH29 Omanawa Bridge, and progressing work on stages one and two of the Takitimu North Link, which will connect Tauranga, Te Puna, and Ōmokoroa with a new four-lane highway.

Let me explain, click the link: Facebook

More information; SunLive - Government $1.9b transport investment welcome news - The Bay's News First

A Day in the Life

Pulling back the curtain on a day at Parliament with Ryan Hamilton MP for Hamilton East.

To check out our video podcast- click the link:   Facebook

PM wraps up successful visit to Malaysia

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful two-day visit to Malaysia, featuring a busy schedule of high-level political, defence, and trade-focused engagements.

“Malaysia is one of New Zealand’s oldest friends and partners in the region. Undertaking the first official visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister since 2015 was an invaluable opportunity to refresh and energise the relationship,” Mr Luxon says.

As long-standing partners, New Zealand and Malaysia continue their regional defence and security cooperation. Mr Luxon said New Zealand will send a P8 maritime patrol aircraft to Malaysia as part of NZDF’s participation in a Five Power Defence Arrangement military exercise.

The Prime Ministers also committed to increasing the value of two-way trade by 50 per cent over the next six years.

8,000 Patients Later!

Popped into Consult365 - Pāpāmoa to see how things have been going since they opened in late January. They're a local accident and medical walk-in clinic open between 9am and 9pm, 7 days a week. So far, they've looked after 8,000 patients.

Open every day to provide reliable acute care to our community and visitors alike. The Pāpāmoa Accident & Medical Walk-in Clinic is a bit different to your ordinary urgent care. It’s equipped to deal with minor accidents and illness and staffed with highly qualified nurses. They match your ailment to the appropriate clinician to treat you (Nurse Practitioner or Extended Care Paramedic) and leverage telehealth to access expert emergency doctors to assist us right here in the Bay.

Meeting with E tū

Thanks to Dean and Derek from the E tū Union who came and met with me. They were keen to discuss their members who work in the care and support industry and the work they are doing to settle their pay equity claim.

NZ POST Papamoa – Open for business!

Pāpāmoa Post Shop, is now operating out of Paper Plus Pāpāmoa in the Pāpāmoa Plaza, offering domestic, international and bill payment services.

Check out the full story here: NZ Post services to return to Pāpāmoa after MP inquiries - NZ Herald

AIMS Games: Heavy traffic volumes expected in Tauranga

Heavier than normal traffic is expected while the AIMS Games is on in Tauranga. File photo/SunLive.

With an influx of visitors expected for the annual Zespri AIMS Games, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises residents and visitors to plan their city journeys.

People are also urged to consider taking advantage of free Zespri AIMS Games buses from Saturday, September 7, to Friday, September 13.

As Tauranga will be welcoming over 13,000 young athletes and their supporters, we encourage people to allow sufficient time to travel around the city and check NZTA’s Journey Planner for real-time updates.

If you’re travelling around the Mount, free Zespri AIMS Games buses will run every 30 minutes on a continuous 30-minute loop around the major Mount and Papamoa venues, so it’s a great choice for those attending.

While the AIMS Games are on, there are also roadworks around the outskirts of the city so drivers should be prepared for delays and allow more time before they set off to and from the AIMS Games.

SunLive - AIMS: Heavy traffic volumes expected in Tauranga - The Bay's News First

Kingi Tuheitia was laid to rest this week

Nga Wai Hono i te Po - his 27-year-old daughter has been named successor in a historical and traditional event at Turangawaewae in Ngāruawāhia on Thursday followed by the burial of the late King.

Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia:

As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII was laid to rest, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country.

“Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering commitment to Kotahitanga,” Mr Luxon says.

This week at a glance:

Turning rubber into resources

New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme is now fully operational with free collections starting, says Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.

Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ a step closer

Greater competition and lower prices for Kiwi consumers are a step closer as consultation begins on ‘open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Energy Minister Simeon Brown say.

Record investment to get transport back on track 

A record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more reliable and efficient transport network that boosts economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. 

Consultation is open on gambling harm strategy

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed the start of Gambling Harm Awareness Week by encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on the next three-year strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say.

New priorities to protect future of conservation

The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga.

Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants.

Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout

The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced

Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review

Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden.

Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the regulation and funding reviews of the sector.

Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care.

Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency

The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming.

International tourism continuing to bounce back

Results released from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says.

More choice and competition in building products

A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.  

Improving access to finance for Kiwis

The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.

Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion.

New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today.

Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment.

Prime Minister wraps up successful visit to Korea

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded a successful trip to Korea.  “We return from this visit having reenergised and strengthened New Zealand’s relationship with Korea,” Mr Luxon says.

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I’m a Local, Just Like You!

Thanks,
Tom

Tom Rutherford
MP for Bay of Plenty

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