Dear John,

June has been an exciting month of government announcements that will benefit the Selwyn district.

I am especially proud of the work we’ve been doing in the farming sector, with increased exports showing it is paying off. Fieldays was an excellent opportunity to connect with farmers across the country, and it was great to see some familiar faces there. 

A quick reminder that consultation on our RMA reforms closes on the 27th of July. Submit your thoughts here. It is critical that we get this legislation right to serve you – the users and guardians of our land and water.

Economy

Farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time.

Growth highlights include:

• dairy export revenue lifting 16 per cent to reach a record $27 billion

• meat and wool export revenue increasing 8 per cent to $12.3 billion

• horticulture export revenue growing by an impressive 19 per cent reaching $8.5 billion

• forestry export revenue jumping 9 per cent to $6.3 billion

• Seafood export revenue lifting 2 per cent to $2.2 billion.

The Government remains laser-focused on doubling the value of exports in 10 years, driving higher farm and forest gate returns, and backing the long-term capability, resilience, and health of rural New Zealand

Health

The Government’s focus on restoring performance and accountability in the health system is delivering real outcomes for patients.

After years of decline, our health system is getting back on track.

People are spending less time in emergency departments, more children are getting immunised on time, and more cancer patients are starting treatment sooner.

We know there’s more to do – that’s why we’ve launched initiatives like the Elective Boost. Between February and May, it has delivered over 9,500 additional elective procedures, with the majority for those who’ve been waiting more than four months.

By focusing on what matters and holding the system accountable, we’re putting patients first and backing our frontline workers to deliver timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.

Key improvements include:

• In the last quarter alone, more than 48,000 elective procedures and 167,000 first specialist assessments were completed.

• People are spending less time in emergency departments, meaning more people are being seen, treated, or admitted within six hours – up to 74.2 per cent from 70.1 per cent last year.

• More children are getting their immunisations on time, with 79.3 per cent of 2-year-olds now fully immunised – up from 76.9 per cent last year, which is a real step in the right direction.

• Cancer patients are starting treatment sooner. 84.6 per cent began treatment within 31 days – up from 83 per cent last year – and when every day counts, that matters.

• Over 1,800 fewer New Zealanders are waiting for elective procedures between January and March, and more patients are being seen.

Access to healthcare in Selwyn is a critical issue that I hear from constituents about frequently, it is heartening to see that these changes are improving the lives of patients across the district.

Farming

The Government has this week introduced long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions – delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production.

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill will restrict wholesale conversions of farmland to exotic forestry by stopping LUC 1-5 land from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and capping new ETS registrations on LUC 6 land.

It will also protect farmers’ ability to diversify – allowing up to 25 per cent of a farm to go into trees, while stopping the kind of blanket ETS planting that’s been gutting rural communities

This policy is pro-farming, pro-food production, pro-commercial forestry and pro-rural New Zealand.

The legislation is now before Parliament and is to come into force October 2025.

Out and about

Fieldays

The primary sector is such a key part of our economy, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the Federated Farmers Rural Advocacy Hub about the work our Government is doing to back our farmers and growers and build back their confidence.

It was great to get so much feedback in person - our policies are driven by the grassroots, so I always value hearing directly from those in the sector!

Farmer confidence is on the rise, and I got so much positive feedback about our Investment Boost policy which is incentivising our farmers and growers to purchase new assets - which will increase productivity, creates jobs, grows wages, and importantly, puts more money in everyone’s backpocket. Our Government will always back our rural sector, who are once again driving the economic recovery of New Zealand!

Selwyn business budget update

I hosted some Selwyn businesses for a round-table discussion about how our government’s 2025 Growth Budget benefits them.

We’ve had such positive feedback about how our Investment Boost is going to assist small companies – especially here in Selwyn!

We also talked about how we’re investing in Selwyn school properties to match population growth, the future of renewable energy in the district, and the thriving science and research community around Lincoln.

Thank you to the local businesses that I had such a productive discussion with. It’s encouraging to hear how this Budget delivers for Selwyn.

Upcoming Events

I’ll be around the district for coffee catchups next month, swing by if you want a chat or to discuss any concerns.

Darfield:

• Dalethorpe House

• 1 July 11:45am-12:45pm

Prebbleton:

• Majestic Cafe

• 3 July 12:45-1:45pm

Here to help

As always, my team and I are here and available to help.

You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Kind regards,

Hon Nicola Grigg

https://www.national.org.nz/nicolagrigg

www.national.org.nz

41 Pipitea Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Authorised by Nicola Grigg, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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