Legislation-a-plenty

We are hurtling towards the summer break with a strong set of achievements across the board. This week’s newsletter update is jam packed so make sure you read right to the end. 

Ridding schools of RSE

New Zealand First welcomed the Government’s announcement this week to scrap the current Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines currently being used in New Zealand’s education system. 

New Zealand First is delivering on our promise to refocus the school curriculum away from the ideology and indoctrination that has been plaguing the education system. Hear more on this from Party Leader Winston Peters here. 

The current RSE guidelines will be removed by the end of Term 1 2025. Consultation will begin on an update of the health curriculum – which we will ensure is not muddied by ideology.  

New Zealand First is the only party that acknowledged the silent majority of parents, grandparents and educators, who voiced their concerns to us throughout the 2023 election campaign.  

We promised, and we are delivering. 

New Minister for Rail 

This week, the Rt Hon Winston Peters will take up the newly created role of Minister for Rail. New Zealand First is the party of rail with a strong record of delivery. We are proud of this development.  

His responsibilities will include taking over responsibility for KiwiRail and the Railways Incorporation, as well as the replacement of the Cook Strait ferries.  

Listen to The Country online with Jamie Mackay: Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters talks ferries - NZ Herald 

Rail is an economic enabler, critical national infrastructure that moves both people and freight across the country.  

New Zealand First is a champion for strategic infrastructure investment that enables connectivity and economic prosperity throughout New Zealand. 

NZ ban on Greyhound Racing 

Minister for Racing Winston Peters has announced the end of Greyhound Racing in New Zealand.

It was a difficult decision with the safety of the dogs in mind following reviews and concerted efforts to improve animal welfare. For the next 20 months efforts will be made with animal welfare organisations to rehome the dogs. It was passed with unanimous support and well received. In the words of Paddy Gower… 

“The fact that the ban comes from him makes it even more resounding and clearly final. You couldn’t have the ban come from a better person than Winston Peters. If it had come from some ‘wokester’, it wouldn’t feel as permanent. Peters is anti-woke and pro racing.”  

Check out the proof here!  

Going, going, gone…. Goes the TPA 

The highly anticipated repeal of the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) has passed today in parliament with its third reading under Associate Minister for Health, Casey Costello. 

New Zealand First campaigned to repeal the TPA and we have kept that promise; this is a big win for personal health choice for Kiwis. 

The law was unworkable and attempted to regulate natural health products.  There will be no disruption to the operations of natural health businesses due to the repeal of the Act.

“The Government has heard the message that came through loud and clear from the natural health products sector: don’t regulate us alongside medicines and medical devices.” – Casey Costello 

New legislation will be developed for the regulation of medicines and medical devices, and importantly, this will coincide with additional, standalone legislation for natural health products. We know that the current Medicines Act is outdated and the Government is working on a modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory system. 

As part of this Repeal, there will also be changes to a series of reforms to the export of dietary supplements and, in the longer term, other natural health products. Read the full announcement here.  

Return of Three Strikes 

New Zealand First campaigned on getting tough on rising crime, advocating for strong, commonsense policy that keeps our communities safer.  

Three strikes legislation implements a penalty regime where recidivist offenders receive increased sentences for serious crimes they commit. We must have strong deterrence for criminals who break the law over and over again. 

Casey Costello: The victims have to be put first.

‘Three Strikes’ was removed during our time outside of Parliament and we welcome its return.

New Zealand First is a champion for commonsense policy and we thank you for your continued support to achieve our commitments.

Make sure you forward these updates to likeminded Kiwis so we can continue to increase our support.