Convention week has arrived

This month marks one year since the 2023 election, where New Zealand First was returned to the halls of parliament again. Our team brings much needed commonsense and experience to Government.

Party Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters, will deliver a public address this Sunday at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton, to provide an update on the progress New Zealand First has made in our first year back, and what lies ahead.

Fast Track Consenting is here

The cancellation of the Otago Regional Growth Summit after rain and flooding in the area was not enough to dampen the spirts of the Prince of the Provinces. He was in the area to promote the Regional Infrastructure Fund last week before further announcements were made by the Government on the Fast Track Consenting legislation on Sunday.

A key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild our economy and cut through the red and green tape that has challenged progress, 149 projects have been confirmed for inclusion in the one-stop-shop legislation. These projects will have a significant impact on regional New Zealand by delivering jobs and growth, to help boost the economy. Projects vary across several areas including infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, farming and aquaculture.

“Our regions and the New Zealanders living in them have enormous potential, and the Fast-track projects, freed up from stifling consenting processes, are another change that is giving them back the wings they deserve.” – Shane Jones

You’ve got plenty of choice this week to hear directly from the ‘apostle for growth’. Take a listen to the following interviews:

• 'Foolish and juvenile': Minister Shane Jones says climate activists won't silence mining bid
• Shane Jones, the ‘apostle for growth’ on behaving better, Māori sovereignty and what nearly sent him broke
• Shane Jones Talks Climate Protesters, Oil And Gas Exploration Resuming
• Shane Jones: Certain climate goals are causing the decline of regional New Zealand

A step closer to frontline police targets

“We want New Zealanders to feel safe and be safe in their communities and we value Police and their work. Police officers do a great job, and the Government is backing them.” – Casey Costello.

New Zealand First welcomed the announcement this week made by Police, that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. This will directly contribute to our coalition commitment of increasing our frontline police by 500 additional officers.

• Surge in police recruits won't compromise quality of training, Associate Police Minister promises

Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello, also announced the first iterations to a new online portal with all offers available to SuperGold cardholders. We want members to make the use of all benefits on offer, including everyday essentials such as electricity, insurance, food and healthcare. The online hub also links in to other government services such as superannuation and aged care.

As a champion for seniors, New Zealand First is pleased to see more tools being made available to support and celebrate the contribution of seniors to our society.

“Our communities and many of our families simply wouldn’t function without the role that over-65s play as grandparents or great-grandparents, volunteers, carers, friends and neighbours.” – Casey Costello.

 Find out more HERE.

MPs on the move

Following the end of a three-week sitting block in Wellington, our caucus have been back on the road for community meetings and events over the past week. Hon Shane Jones had a close shave in the South Island, not only with some of his much loved unicorn-kissing protestors, but with a much needed haircut at the local barber shop.

• Shane Jones: Greenpeace, if you want a debate come to the politicians. Stop intimidating Kiwis.

He was then back up North for the opening of the Ruakākā Recreation Centre, a new multi-purpose community building that was predominantly built and supplied by local business and workers, and will continue to provide significant benefits to the local community.

Following a tour of the Chatham Islands, Mark Patterson has been based back in his local Southland area helping to monitor the situation in Dunedin and surrounds following heavy rain. $50,000 of additional Government support has been announced for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago.

The Otago Regional Summit due to be held on Friday was cancelled. We wish all locals well as they continue to cope with the flooding devastation in the area. And our continued appreciation to all the local volunteers and essential services who are working to keep people and animals safe.