Dear John In this issue:
Minister's NewsAs 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 VisitPrime 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 SummitThe 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 CornerRecent 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.
TourismI’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 SupportI 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 StrategyDisabled 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 EmploymentWe 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 ZealandersFrom 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 TestingLegislation 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 CrimeAs 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 DevelopmentResource 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 ClosureI 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 (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 SafetyI 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' BreakfastCambridge 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 ForumsAs 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 LunchI 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 VisitsIt 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 BoardI 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 ExpresswayLane 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 WaiouruWork 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 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.
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 ChampionshipGovernment 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 OpportunitiesFacebook LiveJoin 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 on Tuesday 8 April 2025, 8 p.m. and type your questions or comments. You can watch the last Facebook Live here.
Clinics Note: Dates are subject to change. Cambridge ClinicFriday 2 May, 2:00–3:30p.m. Please call 07 827 5572 or email [email protected] for an appointment. South Waikato Clinic – TokoroaFriday, 4 April, 3:30–4:30p.m. Please call 07 8865554 or email [email protected] for an appointment. Taupō Clinic Friday 16 May, 2:00–3:30p.m. Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected] for an appointment.
Electorate AssistanceCambridge Office: Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] South Waikato: Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Taupō Office: Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected]
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Kind regards Louise Upston https://www.national.org.nz/ Funded by Parliamentary Service
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