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Dear John In this issue:
In the HouseGovernment has achieved what it set out to do with its first 100-day plan and is now moving into the second phase of getting things done for New Zealanders. It includes our plan to address housing and infrastructure, driving success in schools, repairing our broken health system, and putting more money into families' pockets through our FamilyBoost and Income Tax Relief policies. We have been busy progressing with our quarter two objectives, and we are excited to share with everyone our longer-term plan for New Zealand. Recently, we announced our nine Government targets to be delivered by 2030 are:
These targets show our ambition and direction for New Zealand which is to grow the economy, restore law and order and provide better public services like education and health. We know that these are the core issues that affect kiwis the most, which is why we are setting targets to hold ourselves accountable and actually deliver positive outcomes that will be tangible in your daily lives. All across government we are taking steps to ensure New Zealanders have the best chance for a successful future. This includes adjustments to immigration settings, ensuring kids have the best education, driving infrastructure and housing to make it easier and cheaper to build houses, and opening up trade opportunities for businesses to take advantage of. We are excited to provide updates on our progress. Family BoostAs promised by National before the election, from 1 July 2024 parents and caregivers of young children will be eligible for up to 25 per cent reimbursement of their weekly Early Childhood Education (ECE) fees, to a maximum of $75 per week. The FamilyBoost credit of up to $75 per week relates to fees incurred with a licenced ECE provider after the 20 Hours Free and MSD’s Childcare Subsidy are taken into account. The payment slowly reduces for household incomes over $140,000 to a maximum of $180,000, as shown in the table below.
Household income will be calculated by Inland Revenue (IR) using actual reported income for the past three months to determine eligibility. Parents and caregivers will be able to submit their ECE invoices every three months via myIR, with FamilyBoost refunded as a lump sum. Parents should start collecting invoices from 1 July, so they can begin to apply and be refunded from October 2024. More details will be released in the May Budget.
Three-day Postnatal StayI've been advocating for longer postnatal stays for new mums since Mothers' Day 2019, so I'm delighted the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill has been pulled from the ballot and Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd will take it forward. This will enable women to receive a minimum of 72 hours post-natal care if they choose it. These first hours of a newborn's life can be stressful and emotional and the way they're dealt with can be critical to outcomes for both mother and baby. TransportMinister of Transport Simeon Brown has released a draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2023-2024 which outlines the Government’s land transport investment priorities and sets the balance between investing in new projects and ensuring we maintain and repair our existing infrastructure. SH1 Cambridge to Piarere has been listed as a Road of National Significance in the GPS, so I look forward to seeing progress on the Waikato Expressway Extension. NZTA is working through the resource consent process and designation phase for the extension which will protect the route for future construction once funding becomes available. It's great to see work on the Piarere roundabout at the intersection of SH1 and SH29 well underway. Inflation Tracking DownInflation is now at four per cent, the lowest it’s been since June 2021 and significantly lower than the 7.3 per cent inflation in 2022. The price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024—an encouraging sign inflation is tracking down. The lower prices for fresh produce underpin what is the smallest increase in food prices since May 2021 at 2.1 percent. This compares to the 12 percent increase in food prices in the previous 12 months to February 2023. We have been relentlessly focused on growing the economy, and while there is more work to do, this is a great step towards achieving that. The Reserve Bank is targeting 1–3 per cent inflation to bring interest rates down relieving costs to New Zealanders and allowing the economy to revive. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is working on the Budget, due out in May. Energy CaucusNine MPs from the National Party Caucus, including Minister of Energy Simeon Brown, visited Taupō recently and were welcomed to Aratiatia Hydro Power Station by Mercury NZ Chief Executive Vince Hawksworth and watched the 10 a.m. spill at the Aratiatia Rapids. CEO Tauhara North No2 Trust Mana Newton welcomed us at Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Station. Thank you to staff for the hospitality and guided tours.
We also visited Contact Energy's Te Mihi Power Station. It's fantastic to see the process of converting geothermal energy into electricity and hear plans for the future.
New Zealand is fortunate to have nearly 90 per cent of our electricity generated from renewable resources and the Government is committed to doubling production. Each of the generators we visited had plans for expanding their plant. Higher renewable energy production and use was a key contributor to lower gross emissions in 2022, down four per cent on 2021 and the lowest level since 1999. National promised to cut red tape to drive a surge of investment in renewable electricity generation so New Zealand can double its supply of affordable, clean energy and become a lower emissions economy. See National's Electrify New Zealand policy here. Tenon Clearwood Sawmill
Tenon Clearwood General Manager Mark Taylor (left) showed us around the sawmill—a fantastic example of New Zealand providing quality products to the world. The versatility of timber is showcased in construction both modern and ancient. Tenon's product has been used extensively on Google's recently completed London headquarters (particularly visible on the exterior) and a large percentage of timber used to build a replica Noah's ark in Kentucky USA has come from Tenon in Taupō too. Local timber is also sold into the USA and European markets for the domestic construction and DIY trade. Minister's NewsChange of Portfolios The Prime Minister has asked me to take on the role of Minister for Disability Issues, adding to my portfolio of Minister for Social Development and Employment, Child Poverty Reduction and Community and Voluntary Sector. Supporting Girls' Education
As acting Minister for Women, I was delighted to announce with Minister of Education Erica Stanford that the Government will fund $2.9 million of period products to ensure girls have an equal opportunity to attend and benefit from school. Lack of access to period products can be extremely stressful, disruptive and can impact students' confidence while learning. All intermediate, kura and secondary schools will be able to opt-in to the scheme which will continue to benefit around 200,000 students. At the CoalfaceThe work in the employment and jobseeker space will continue at pace throughout the second quarter as we support people off welfare and into work. We have set a target to reduce the number of people receiving the job seeker benefit by 50,000 before 2030. This is incredibly ambitious, but I am confident that through a collaborative effort across business, community and government we can achieve it. It is important that we encourage people into work so that they can reap the rewards that work provides. I know times are tough, and I want to assure you that we are working very hard to reduce the impacts of inflation, the cost of living and to restore business and community confidence. From Monday 1 April, about 1.4 million parents, students, pensioners, and people on main benefits have got a little bit extra in their bank accounts. The Government knows every little bit counts right now, and we’re committed to supporting those who are really feeling the pinch. I've been visiting MSD offices and local organisations such as foodbanks around the country to understand the issues they are confronting at the coalface. This helps inform my work as Minister for Social Development and Employment. Electorate NewsCambridge Autumn FestivalCongratulations to the organisers of another great Cambridge Autumn Festival! It's always great to see the community come together for such a joyful event.
Friendly Forums
It was great to catch up with so many of you at my recent Friendly Forums and get your feedback about what is concerning you. If you are unable to make it to these daytime meetings, you can attend an evening Facebook Live. The details are below. Cambridge Future Transport Plan
Waipā District Council is consulting on its Cambridge Connections future transport plan until 5 p.m. on 24 May 2024. You can find out about it and make submissions here. One part of this plan is a third river crossing. Cambridge will need a third bridge in the future. This is a significant project, so long-term planning is essential to ensure it can be built when needed. It is highly likely this project will need Government funding. It is Council’s role to complete investigations, consult with the community and construct a business plan. Once data and evidence are collected, a location is decided on, and a business case is developed, I can start advocating for that funding. I have been signalling this project to Government for some time. It is a long and difficult process and we must begin early. I encourage everyone to be informed, get involved, and provide their views—that is part of the decision we make together. Super Cars TaupōThe 2024 ITM Taupō Super400 was fantastic with around 70,000 motorsport fans and others coming to our wonderful electorate. Tickets and accommodation sold weeks in advance. The Government has supported ITM Taupō SuperSprint through its Major Events Fund with $5 million over three years (2024–2026). Major events that increase tourism and boost economic growth bring significant benefits to communities.
I was proud to present the Team award to Taupō International Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn – a uniquely designed and individually crafted trophy carved from a local 1800-year-old totara tree by Delani Brown (who carved the magnificent pou on the Taupō waterfront). New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame Sod TurningIt was a great pleasure to join Simon Perry in turning the sod for the Sports Hall of Fame which will be annexed to the Grassroots Trust velodrome.
This will replace the Sports Hall of Fame currently in Dunedin railway station. Building will begin mid-year. Grassroots Trust Velodrome 10th birthdayIt was also a pleasure to attend the 10th birthday celebrations of the Grassroots Trust velodrome and see the myriad of activities being showcased from elite cycling to community fun and fitness. ANZAC Day
It was an honour to attend the ANZAC services in Putāruru and Cambridge for the 109th commemoration of the troops landing at Gallipoli. Coming together to reflect and give thanks to the service men and women who have fought to keep our country safe and free is as important today as it ever has been – lest we forget. It is also important to recognise the deep history of operational service, organisational cooperation, regional partnerships and mateship that we share with our Australian neighbours. Bon Voyage to our Olympic Rowers
Farewell to our rowers heading off to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (26 July 11 August). I wish you the best of luck for acclimatising and training in the lead up to the Games, and of course for the Olympic races. Resthaven Village New Serviced Apartments
I’d like to congratulate the Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board and management on the new Hanlin Building—the first of four planned serviced apartments. It's a fantastic complement to Resthaven Village. Resthaven has been operating for over 50 years and is a community facility operated by our community and for our community. With about 20 per cent of Cambridge’s population currently over 65 years old, and forecast to be 25 per cent by 2033, this extra accommodation is much needed. Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
I spoke to the Cambridge Chamber recently about challenges faced by the business community and how we can work together to improve the economic, social and human aspects of our community. Pink Ribbon BreakfastsIf you're thinking about getting a group together for a Pink Ribbon Breakfast on 23 May, you can find out about what you need to do here. Youth Advisory Board Date ChangeIf you, or someone you know, would like to be involved in the Youth Advisory Board on 7 June (note the change of date) this year, please email Jane Matthews at [email protected] for further information. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesClinicsClinics are by appointment only. Please see office contact details listed below. Taupō: Friday 24 May Cambridge: Friday 10 June Facebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 21 May 8 p.m. See this month's Facebook Live here. Electorate AssistancePhone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards, Hon Louise Upston |
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