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Dear John

In this issue:

* Minister's News

* In the House

* Electorate News

* Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

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MINISTER'S NEWS

As I update you on Ministerial happenings, I'm reflecting on two pivotal themes.
Firstly, the privilege of participating in the Prime Minister's delegation to
India, and also the International Investment Summit which proved a massive
success and a huge boost to National's growth agenda.



INDIA VISIT



Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was invited to India by Prime Minister of India
Shri Narendra Modi. I joined his recent delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai as
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, along with Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for
Ethnic Communities, and Sport and Recreation; and Hon Todd McClay, Minister for
Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry; and a high-level delegation
including senior business and community leaders.


Our Indian counterparts acknowledged the importance of tourism in generating
economic growth, increasing business engagements and creating greater
understanding between our peoples. Both parties welcomed the increasing exchange
of tourists between India and New Zealand.


We have launched negotiations on a free trade agreement. India knows New Zealand
is open for business. Upgrading our existing trade deals and securing new ones
gives us the opportunity to boost our exports and grow our economy.


The updated India-New Zealand Air Services Agreement will open opportunities for
tourism and trade.


A refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement will provide more opportunities
for Indian students to study in New Zealand.


Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of
Cooperation (MOC) which lays the groundwork for cooperation in sustainable
forest management, agroforestry, research and innovation, education, and
capacity building and includes the development of bilateral forestry cooperation
to continue mutual growth.


New Zealand’s forestry exports to India have increased from $9.5 million in 2023
to an estimated $76.5 million in 2024. Partnerships like this are vital for
doubling the value of our exports in the next decade.



INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT SUMMIT

The summit attracted global investors managing assets totalling approximately $6
trillion to hear about the opportunities New Zealand has to offer.


New Zealand is open for business – and the summit showcased a strong pipeline of
projects aimed at reducing our infrastructure deficit. Potential investors left
excited about the opportunities ahead, and I’m excited about what that means for
kiwis.  


It’s all about reducing the cost of living and helping New Zealanders get ahead.
Increased investment in infrastructure means more growth, more jobs, and higher
wages to reduce the cost of living. 



ECONOMY TURNS CORNER

Recent figures from Stats NZ show that the economy has turned a corner and the
future is looking brighter. Gross domestic product grew 0.7 per cent in the
three months to December. (The June and September quarters recorded decreases.)
The 0.4 per cent increase in GDP per capita in the December quarter is the first
rise in two years.


Exports increased 3.5 per cent in that same quarter, partly due to increased
international visitor spending on accommodation, restaurants and bars, transport
and vehicle hire. Tourism is hugely important to New Zealand’s economic
recovery, and I will continue to drive growth in my Tourism and Hospitality
portfolio.


Growing the economy creates more jobs and higher incomes – and, ultimately,
better health, education, infrastructure and other public services.



TOURISM

I’m really proud of the investments the Government is driving in Tourism. We’ve
committed:

* $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for
Australians over autumn months

* $30 million to support conservation visitor-related experiences

* $3 million for regional tourism boost

* $9 million for Great Rides cycle infrastructure

* $3 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to
secure more business events for New Zealand


These initiatives will help grow the sector and grow jobs.


This year we will reinforce the value of tourism to a humming, vibrant country,
where we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime.


And a shout out to all the camping and caravan enthusiasts out there. My
decision (announced in Taupō, thanks to the NZ Motor Caravan Association) allows
an extra year to get self-contained vehicles green-certified.



DISABILITY SUPPORT

I absolutely recognise the passionate interest of the disability community in
how services are offered, at both a national and electorate level.


I know there’s a feeling that things haven’t moved fast enough, but it’s been
critical we got the system and services onto a stable footing.


In August 2024, the Independent Review Report made recommendations, and six
months on, we have seen a shift. In addition to running a nationwide community
consultation process, Disability Support Services (DSS) has also made progress
in:

* Transferring DSS and its supporting functions from the Ministry of Disabled
People – Whaikaha to a branded business unit of MSD, while ensuring
continuity of services and care for disabled people.

* Completing a rapid review of residential contracts and developing a pricing
model for residential care.

* Providing greater consistency across Needs Assessment Services Co-ordination
(NASC) and Enabling Good Lives sites and ensuring they are prioritising those
in highest need.

* Taking action to forecast expenditure and implement more fiscal discipline.

* Developing a monitoring function to support continuous quality improvements.



REFRESHED DISABILITY STRATEGY

Disabled people, like non-disabled people, want to participate in their
communities, to thrive and make decisions about their own lives.


In a first for New Zealand, working groups drawn from the disabled community,
industry and government agencies will develop actions in key focus areas
including education, employment, health, housing and justice. The draft strategy
will then go to the wider disabled community for further review before being
agreed.


The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is managing the refresh process, and
has received almost 350 expressions of interest from disabled people keen to
take part.



SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

We knew Jobseeker numbers were going to get worse before they got better when we
set our target to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker Support by 50,000
over six years.


We’re already seeing positive signs as a result of the work we are doing. The
latest monthly stats show more than 6400 people cancelling their Jobseeker
Benefit because they found work, which is nearly 1000 more than in January.


We are working really hard to make sure every Kiwi has the opportunity to get
into work, to get themselves ahead and create a really bright future.



COST-OF-LIVING SUPPORT TO 1.5 MILLION NEW ZEALANDERS

From 1 April, most MSD payment rates will increase through the Annual General
Adjustment (AGA).

* 933,200 superannuitants and 4900 veterans will get a boost to New Zealand
Superannuation and the Veteran’s Pension

* 409,300 main beneficiaries will get a higher payment

* 47,400 students will see an increase in their allowance

* 70,000 non-beneficiaries getting supplementary assistance are expected to be
better off.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


IN THE HOUSE






ROADSIDE DRUG TESTING

Legislation to enable Police to conduct roadside drug testing using oral fluid
testing devices passed its third reading last week. Around 30 per cent of road
fatalities in recent years have been caused by drivers impaired by prescription
or illicit drugs. Drivers who refuse drug screening tests will be issued with an
infringement penalty.



TOUGHER ON CRIME

As promised, Government passed sentencing reforms into law last week. Serious
offenders will spend longer in prison, youth will no longer receive repeat
discounts for their age, retail workers will have stronger protections, and
criminals who livestream their crimes will get tougher penalties.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ELECTORATE NEWS



STRATHMORE PARK DEVELOPMENT

Resource consent has been granted and it's great to see 'spades in the ground'
at the Strathmore Park Development in Tokoroa. The project will eventually
deliver 187 new homes. The first stage will provide up to 31 affordable homes
and I'm hopeful some staff from Kinleith will find new roles on this significant
building project.



KINLEITH PM6 PAPER MACHINE CLOSURE

I have met with Project Phoenix (a South Waikato District Council initiative) to
discuss the best way forward for those whose jobs at the Kinleith mill will be
lost.


The South Waikato Future Careers Expo
[link removed] (16 June
9:00–2:30p.m.) at Pukenga Rau, the South Waikato Trades Training Centre (34
Chambers Street, Tokoroa) will be showcasing local opportunities for employment
and training.



NOXIOUS WEED SAFETY

I feel for the farmers and their animals in these current drought conditions. If
you are buying supplementary feed from other provinces, please be vigilant about
bringing pest species into the Waikato, including:

* Hawkes Bay: cotton thistle, saffron thistle, nassella tussock, Chilean needle
grass

* Bay of Plenty: alligator weed, noogoora bur, variegated thistle

* Northland: alligator weed, Madagascar ragwort


If you’re not sure, contact Waikato Regional Council or a farm consultant for
advice.



DOCTORS' BREAKFAST

Cambridge doctors and practice managers gave me a great insight into the
challenges they are facing in GP practices which I will pass on to the Minister
of Health.



I confirmed recent primary health announcements including:

* More doctors and faster access to doctors

* More nurses, more training, and better care

* Multi-million-dollar boost for cancer treatments and medicines

* Better digital access to healthcare

* Lowering the bowel cancer screening age

* More elective surgeries



FRIENDLY FORUMS

As always, it was great to catch up with some of you at my recent Friendly
Forums. It's always good to get your feedback and have the opportunity to update
you and answer your questions.





INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY LUNCH

I enjoyed meeting a fantastic group of women at the recent International Women's
Day Lunch organised by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.



Waipā District Council CEO Stephanie O'Sullivan was the guest speaker. She is a
great role model and example of women achieving equality.



SCHOOL VISITS

It was fantastic to see students understanding maths concepts using everyday
'equipment' at Taupō Primary recently.



And it was great to visit Cambridge Primary School and hear about its garden to
plate initiative, as well as see the new numeracy and literacy framework in
practice.



YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

I enjoyed meeting secondary school students who are showing an interest in New
Zealand's democracy recently. I have great hope for our future.


Senior high school students from across the electorate are invited to attend my
Youth Advisory Board in Tokoroa on 4 April and 13 June. The YAB is an
opportunity for students to learn about New Zealand’s parliamentary system and
democracy. It is also a chance for me to gauge students’ views on current
affairs so I can accurately represent them in Parliament.


Schools have been sent information and will be advising students of details. If
you need further information, please get in touch with one of my offices
(details below).



ROADWORKS


CAMBRIDGE EXPRESSWAY

Lane closures will cause delays of up to 30 minutes on the Cambridge section of
the Waikato Expressway this week while resealing takes place. Temporary traffic
management and reduced speed limits will be in place in April.



SH1 TĪRAU TO WAIOURU

Work is nearing completion on SH1 from SH1/Princes Street, Putāruru, to Vosper
Road/SH1 Lichfield intersection.


There will be night closures in early April for the final surfacing between
Vospers Road and Rollett Road.


There have been alarming reports about near misses on the roads as people ignore
safety signage and redirections at roadworks sites or pass slower traffic on
narrow and windy detour routes. This is a short-term project. Please be patient.


As road works are weather dependent and subject to change, I encourage you to
visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Journey Planner
[link removed]
webpage to see when and where detours are in place and how much extra time you
need to add to your journey. Please be patient as there are stop/go controls on
some detour routes also.

You can subscribe to NZTA Waka Kotahi updates here
[link removed]






ITM TAUPŌ SUPER 440 MOTOR RACING

Taupō is gearing up for the second ITM Taupō Super 440 race from 11–13 April.
This three-day event is expected to attract 67,000 people generating tourism
earnings for local businesses.


Be aware that parking at the Taupō International Motorsport Park is only
accessible from the SH1 Interchange with Centennial Drive. A park and ride
service is available for ticket holders from Kaimanawa Reserve.


While NZTA has reduced roadworks to a minimum in the area, please be aware there
are still some sites with speed restrictions in place.



VINFAST IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Government invested $975,000 through the Major Events Fund to support the
Ironman Worlds in Taupō in December.


Most (95 per cent) of athletes were from overseas. Many came with support crews
and spectators. The figures below illustrate what this event contributed to New
Zealand tourism:

* 15,000 international visitors

* 187,325 visitor nights spent across NZ

* On average, international visitors spent five nights in Taupō

* $23 million spent in Taupō region (during the two-week event, international
card spend was up 116 per cent compared to the previous year)

* On average, international visitors spent 13 nights in NZ

* $50 million spent across New Zealand


The event's success speaks for itself!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES


FACEBOOK LIVE

Join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second
Tuesday of each month. 

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook
[link removed] on Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8 p.m. and
type your questions or comments.

You can watch the last Facebook Live here
[link removed]-

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CLINICS

Note: Dates are subject to change.


CAMBRIDGE CLINIC

Friday 2 May, 2:00–3:30p.m.

Please call 07 827 5572 or email [email protected]
[email protected] for an appointment.


SOUTH WAIKATO CLINIC – TOKOROA

Friday, 4 April, 3:30–4:30p.m.

Please call 07 8865554 or email [email protected]
[email protected] for an appointment.


TAUPŌ CLINIC

Friday 16 May, 2:00–3:30p.m.

Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected]
[email protected] for an appointment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ELECTORATE ASSISTANCE

Cambridge Office:

Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

South Waikato:

Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

Taupō Office:

Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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