Dear John,


It has been a busy and productive last few months and a big highlight has been
getting around the electorate for a number of annual A&P shows plus a series of
Constituent Clinics which I’ve been holding in towns all over the electorate.

 

Palmerston Waihemo A&P show 1st of February

Hearing from people face-to-face is one of my favourite parts of being an MP and
whilst I may field a few criticisms of the Government, at the end of the day
everyone has their heart in the right place and we are all striving for New
Zealand and the Waitaki to be the best it possibly can.

 

It was great to have Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka join me on a visit to
the Mackenzie Basin in February to see the impact of wilding pines. The visit
provided the Minister a valuable chance to witness the scale of the issue,
whilst also seeing places where controls are having a positive impact.

 

Hon Tama Potaka Minister of Conservation and I, in the Mackenzie Basin

My Private Members Bill, which I am hoping will be drawn from the ballot, would
ensure stewardship land affected, or at risk of being affected by wilding
conifers could be leased or sold subject to certain conditions, enabling the use
of stock grazing to help control wildings. 

 

Also in February, I was able to celebrate National Lamb Day at Totara Estate and
thoroughly enjoyed learning more about our region’s significant role in the
early days of exporting meat to the world. Local historian Noel Crawford gave a
wonderful presentation and highlighted that Totara Estate was where the first
shipment of mutton was prepared before being freighted offshore.

 

It has been great to see improving prices for lamb and beef and I hope the
positive trend continues. The Government is working hard to secure more trade
agreements as we focus on doubling the value of exports over the next decade.

 

Improving the health system is also a major focus and a stronger regional health
workforce will mean better access to primary healthcare under our plan to
empower more nurses to deliver quality services in rural communities.

 

The Government will invest $34.2 million over five years to fund 120 nurse
practitioner training places in primary care each year from 2026, and an
additional $21.6 million over four years will accelerate advanced education for
up to 120 primary care registered nurses annually. Having more highly skilled
nurses is particularly relevant to rural areas so more patients can be seen
sooner, and pressure on doctors is eased.

 

We are also investing in a new 24/7 digital healthcare service to provide all
New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New
Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners.

 

This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New
Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the ability for GPs and nurses
to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for tests.

 

We recently announced a big step in the fight against bowel cancer by lowering
the age for free screening from 60 to 58. This will give more Kiwis access to
life-saving early detection, helping to prevent hundreds of cancers.

 

During the election campaign, we made clear the National Party was committed to
lowering the eligible starting age for free bowel cancer screening. This
commitment is being delivered, and we look forward to further reductions in the
eligibility age planned as funding and resources allow.

 

A final note for our charities and not-for-profit organisations. IRD has opened
consultation on an Issues Paper regarding the taxation of charity and
not-for-profits. The document discusses and seeks public submissions on charity
business income tax exemption, donor-controlled charities, and integrity and
simplification.

 

No decisions have been made yet, and all feedback will be carefully considered.
Insights from the sector are valuable in shaping these policies, so I encourage
people to participate and share their views. Submissions are open until March
31, 2025. The consultation document can be accessed at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz
[link removed] along with how to make a submission.

 

The year is quickly marching on as we mover further into autumn which is always
a beautiful time of year in the Waitaki. I hope you have a wonderful Easter, and
as always don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is anything you wish to
discuss.


Miles Anderson

MP for Waitaki

[link removed]

www.national.org.nz [link removed]

41 Pipitea Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Authorised by Miles Anderson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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