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It’s been almost 10 months since the election, and we have covered a lot of ground as a Government of action and delivery. We are working incredibly hard to reduce the cost of living and strengthen our economy and we are starting to see some positive signs, with inflation coming down. We delivered our election promise of Tax relief for hardworking New Zealanders on 31 July.
This week we have been moving through our gang legislation to crack down on gangs and debating our water services amendment bill, which puts our water infrastructure back into local ownership.
I have also loved getting out and about across the electorate to connect with our businesses and community doing amazing things.
OUT AND ABOUT
On a trip to Central Hawke’s Bay, I popped into the Waipawa Butchery to congratulate them on winning gold and silver from the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards. They were awarded gold for their ‘ham on the bone’ and silver for their ‘streaky bacon’. Congratulations again team!
While in Central Hawke’s Bay I was heartened to see our rural communities connected again more than 16 months since the cyclone. It has been challenging for our farmers and rural communities, and it was good to be on the ground to see the progress being made on restoring our bridges and local roads. Our government is committed to investing in infrastructure and driving productivity in our region.
Well done to CHB Council and all the contractors for getting our rural roads and bridges back up and running.
I enjoyed an apple tree grafting session with the amazing TaylorCorp team, before I headed off to the NZ Apples and Pears conference to catch-up with growers across the country.
It was aptly themed ‘Reset, growth, and ambition’. Our government is laser-focused on unleashing the full potential of our food producers, and it’s something I have been strongly advocating for as a member of the primary production selection committee, and I will continue to do so.
We have some amazing businesses in Hawke’s Bay and Skyline Aviation is one of them.
Annabel Toogood and her team are providing life-saving air ambulance services across the country. I visited to learn more about their operations and the investment they are making to save lives.
I also got a chance to test out the new simulator- a New Zealand first!
Congratulations to all the amazing finalists and winners at the Hawke’s Bay Export Awards! From apple exporters, Manuka honey, pet food, strawberries and more - Hawke’s Bay is one of the export capitals of New Zealand and will play a big part in our government’s plan to double the value of our exports in the next 10 years!
Well done to Ziwi for winning Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year!
Backing our exporters all the way!
It was wonderful to celebrate our region’s diverse culture at the Asians in the Bay Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees and a special mention to our Kerala and Hindu communities for receiving winner and runner up in the best community category.
A very colourful, vibrant event which our Minister of Ethnic Communities, Hon.Melissa Lee also attended. Well done to the Hawke’s Bay Multicultural Association for all their work in organising this event
We celebrated our 88th National Party Conference, where we gathered in Auckland to progress our plans and actions to get NZ Back on Track. It was wonderful to have special guest, former Prime Minister, John Key join us to share some experiences and inspiration as we work hard to get NZ back on track.
This quarter we are focusing on restoring law and order and getting on top of crime. So, it was great to visit HSM; to see the security they provide here in Hawke’s Bay. HSM is a family-owned business and Matt has had the business for 27 years. It was fascinating to see the evolution of the security systems and the innovation and technology the business has been investing in.
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
TAX RELIEF:
Tax relief, from July 31, allows hard working Kiwi families to keep more of their hard-earned money to put towards important expenses such as their children, weekly groceries, and power bills.
Overall, 83 per cent of New Zealanders – 94 per cent of households - will benefit from the new tax package.
In addition to the tax changes, the new FamilyBoost payment, which reimburses families for a portion of their early childhood education fees, up to $150 a fortnight, was launched on 1 July. Families with children in early childhood education can find out if they are eligible at IRD.govt.nz.
From July 31, personal income tax thresholds rose from $14,000 to $15,600; from $48,000 to $53,500; and from $70,000 to $78,100. In addition, the in-work tax credit – which helps support low-to-middle income working families with children – has increased by up to $50 a fortnight.
Eligibility for the up to $20 per fortnight independent earner tax credit – for those who do not receive a benefit or Working for Families – has been extended to people earning up to $70,000 per year.
This means 727,000 households will benefit by at least $75 a fortnight, and 187,000 households will benefit by at least $100 a fortnight. On average, households will benefit by $60 a fortnight, and households with children by $78 a fortnight.
That’s real and meaningful cost of living relief. Every little bit counts right now, and this tax relief package demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting Kiwi families during challenging times.
EDUCATION:
The Government will transform maths education to tackle New Zealand’s chronic problem with maths and set kids – and New Zealand – up for success.
New data from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study (CIPS) shows just 22 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected curriculum benchmark for maths.
Around 50,000 children in Year 8 didn’t meet the expected benchmark, and about 63% of Year 8s are more than a year behind.
For these results to change, the system needs to change, and that’s why we’re taking swift action to transform maths education.
The first three components of Make It Count - a maths action plan that will take effect from Term 1 next year.
Transforming maths achievement is another step towards giving our kids a world-leading education to set New Zealand up for future prosperity.
PASSPORT WAIT-TIMES REDUCED BY HALF:
Wait times for passports have halved since an upgrade to the passport processing software in March caused unexpected delays to passport processing times.
The Department is currently advising applicants to allow up to five weeks plus delivery for a standard passport, down from 10 weeks as reported in May.
This timeframe is provided as a reference to ensure customers are aware of the time it may take to issue their passport and can plan accordingly. However, most passports are being issued faster than that.
IN THE MEDIA:
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I look forward to seeing you out in our Tukituki community soon.
Regards, Catherine
Catherine Wedd | MP for Tukituki
- [email protected]
- 06 873 3819
- 129 Queen Street, Hastings 4122
