Dear John

In this issue:

* New Medical School

* Minister's News

* In the House

* Electorate News

* Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

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NEW WAIKATO MEDICAL SCHOOL



After campaigning relentlessly for many years, I'm delighted to announce that
Cabinet has approved the business case for the new medical school and the
establishment of a graduate-entry medical programme at the University of
Waikato!

Following the successful Australian model, it will have a strong focus on
primary care and rural health and recruit students likely to practice in rural
New Zealand.

Construction of new teaching facilities will begin later this year.

The new medical school will train an extra 120 doctors each year (from 2028),
significantly boosting our homegrown medical workforce.

This is in addition to the 100 extra medical-training places our Government has
added across the Universities of Auckland and Otago.

As the concept drawing below indicates, state-of-the-art technology will be used
in training.




MINISTER'S NEWS


'EVERYONE MUST GO' CAMPAIGN

The ‘Everyone Must Go’ campaign to encourage Australians to visit set a target
of 6,750 additional autumn arrivals, but I'm delighted to say, it significantly
exceeded expectations bringing in an additional 7,981 visitors!

This represents a significant boost for regional economies and tourism
operators.

Partnering with 450 operators who provided more than 800 deals across
accommodation, transport and experiences during the campaign made it a winner.

It shows what can be achieved when Government and industry collaborate and work
towards the same goals.


JOB SEEKERS MOVE OFF BENEFIT

As Social Development and Employment Minister, I'm pleased to report that more
than 80,700 people moved off a main benefit and into work in the last financial
year, a reflection of the new initiatives we have put in place.

As expected in the current economic climate, the overall number of people
receiving a main benefit in June 2025 (406,128) has increased by 7,965 (2.0 per
cent) compared to March 2025 (398,163), ahead of a forecast decrease from
December.

The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support in June 2025 (216,009)
increased by 6,171 (2.9 per cent) compared to March 2025 (209,838).

MSD figures from the last three years have shown more people coming onto benefit
in the March to June period, likely due to less seasonal work available during
the winter months.

MSD will continue to assist jobseekers to become work-ready in preparation for
the forecast uptick in the economy.


GEOTHERMAL WEEK LAUNCH

Yesterday, as part of the fifth New Zealand Geothermal Week, I was pleased to
join Minister for Resources, Regional Development, and Associate Minister for
Energy Shane Jones at the New Zealand Geothermal Association’s Winter Seminar
where he launched the draft geothermal strategy “From the Ground Up”, part of
Government's Going for Growth Strategy.

Our geothermal fields are hugely important for the region, providing energy,
tourism and employment benefits.

Figures show the energy sector contributed $6.8 billion to New Zealand's GDP in
2023. It is a high-paying sector with rising employment and opportunities. Young
people across the region can look towards a career in the energy sector as the
strategy seeks to build a talent pipeline in partnership with the education
sector.

The International Visitor Survey shows 27.5 per cent of international tourists
visit geothermal parks to view natural wonders like hot mud pools and geysers.
This is great for our regional economies.

Consultation on the draft strategy is open. Visit MBIE's website
[link removed]
to find out how to have your say. Submissions close 5p.m. on 12 September 2025.



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IN THE HOUSE


COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES

Government is focused on growing the economy to create jobs, lift incomes and
help Kiwis with the cost of living.

We are focusing on five key areas: 

1. Developing talent

2. Ensuring business settings are competitive

3. Promoting global trade and investment

4. Supporting innovation, technology and science

5. Providing a pipeline of infrastructure for growth

We have introduced a series of cost-of-living measures, including:

* This week marks one year of tax relief meaning the average household is
$1,560 better off.

* FamilyBoost, which now gives families up to 40 per cent off their childcare
costs (see below).

* 12-month prescriptions.

* Increased rates rebate for 66,000 seniors.

* Increased Working for Families payments.

* Stopped wasteful government spending.

* Reduced inflation to 2.7 per cent (from a peak of 7.3 per cent under the
previous government).

* Lowered interest rates – a family re-fixing a $500,000 mortgage today will
save around $320 per fortnight compared to September 2023.

* Driven rent inflation down – national median rental prices have dropped for
the first time since 2009.

* Growing people’s incomes by growing the economy. The economy is expected to
grow on average 2.7 per cent per year creating 240,000 jobs over the next
four years.

* Committed to increasing competition in the supermarket sector to drive lower
prices and better value for New Zealand families.

* Scrapping surcharges ($150 million per year) at the till.


FAMILYBOOST

From 1 July 2025, FamilyBoost will make tens of thousands more households better
off by increasing support for early childhood education (ECE).

Rebates have increased from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of weekly fees, and those
with household incomes of up to $229,000 are now eligible to apply – making
around 22,000 more households eligible for the scheme.

FamilyBoost rebates are calculated according to the weekly fees parents pay, so
the maximum payment is also increasing, from $75 a week to $120 a week.

You can register here
[link removed]
to make a claim. 


INFLATION REMAINS IN TARGET RANGE

Stats NZ's recently released Consumers Price Index shows that while inflation
increased slightly to 2.7 per cent in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, it
remains in the Reserve Bank’s target range for the fourth consecutive quarter, a
far cry from the 7.3 per cent under the previous government in 2022.

Stats NZ noted the largest single contributor to annual inflation was councils'
rates and charges, which on average nationwide, rose 12.2 per cent in the year.
Government has called on councils to focus on the basics to keep rates under
control.

If you are experiencing difficulty paying rates, please see information about
rates rebates here
[link removed]

Government is using all levers to bring the cost of living down while focusing
on economic growth as a pathway to more jobs, higher incomes and more money to
pay for public services like schools, and hospitals and the provision of safer
communities.


SCHOOL PROPERTY AGENCY ESTABLISHED

Following recommendations of a Ministerial Inquiry into School Property,
Government has created the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) – a
separate entity to the Ministry of Education – to manage the school property
portfolio.

This will improve project delivery and communication, increase value for money,
and increase transparency around decision making.

This action has already lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%. Last
year 31% more classrooms were delivered compared to 2023 (583 classrooms in
total). New classrooms now cost $620,000 (on average), compared to the $1.2
million average cost per classroom at the end of 2023.


ADVANCED TECH INSTITUTE

As part of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy, the newly
established New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) will play a
leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success by focussing
on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology
which have the potential to transform industries, grow exports, and lift New
Zealand’s global competitiveness.

The Institute will initially be incubated within the Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity when
legislation comes into effect in July 2026.

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ELECTORATE NEWS


PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT


BLUE PACIFIC MINERALS

Last week Prime Minister Christopher Luxon officially opened Blue Pacific
Minerals' (BPM) newly commissioned Liquid Blending and Plant Health Solutions
Facility in Tokoroa.

BPM has built state-of-the-art drying, crushing, mixing and processing
facilities for the mineral zeolite which they process into value-added products
to support agriculture, horticulture, and soil and turf industries amongst other
uses – including cat litter!

BPM is an inspirational Kiwi company which exports to 20 markets around the
world. It's great to see their innovations as they go from strength to strength!




FARM SOURCE CAMBRIDGE

The Prime Minister also visited Farm Source in Cambridge where he met farmers to
discuss their challenges and opportunities and the Government’s work to support
the sector (our number-one export earner) including moves to reduce production
costs, cut red tape, and encourage sustainable growth.


MIDLAND HEALTH SUCCESS

The waitlist for orthopaedic surgery in the Midland Health region is down 15 per
cent, and the number of patients waiting longer than four months for orthopaedic
surgery has dropped by 11 per cent since November 2023.

The waitlist had ballooned by 123 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Since November
2023, orthopaedic waitlists have decreased in:

* Waikato – down 25%

* Lakes – down 6%

There is more work to do, but we are tracking in the right direction!


SH1 CAMBRIDGE TO PIARERE

I had a positive meeting with Transport Minister Chris Bishop this morning
regarding the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) Waikato Expressway extension. As
local MP, I continue to advocate for the Cambridge community and have strongly
highlighted the need for on/off ramps at the start of the extension south of
Cambridge.

Minister Bishop and I share a strong commitment to the construction of C2P and
we're excited for this project to start. I look forward to receiving an update
in due course.


YOUTH MP RYDER MILLER



This term's Taupō Youth MP Ryder Miller says he was grateful for the chance to
represent the Taupō electorate and meet potential future leaders at the recent
Youth Parliament in Wellington – and he did us proud!

Ryder says, "One of the most impactful parts of the programme was taking part in
the Parliamentary working groups, where we tackled real issues facing young
people today. We had the opportunity to discuss ideas, share perspectives, and
collaborate with Youth MPs from all over Aotearoa."

Youth Parliament is held every three years, and I encourage young people to
apply when they have the opportunity. Each April and June I also run a Youth
Advisory Board in the Taupō electorate.


MALCOLM FLOWERS INSURANCES TAUPŌ WINTER FESTIVAL

Congratulations to Nicola de Lautour and her team on the tenth Taupō Winter
Festival (27 June to 13 July). It was another great success! I enjoyed the play
"Guru of Chai" and the Midwinter Bows and Bowties Ball (pictured below).

Taking five with Nicola de Lautour




LE QUESNOY VISIT

I was pleased to join Waipā Mayor Susan O'Regan, the Cambridge Community Board
and the Cambridge-Le Quesnoy Friendship Association in welcoming French
Senators, the French Ambassador to New Zealand, and French rugby representatives
recently.



They laid wreaths at the Cambridge District War Memorial and visited St Andrew's
Anglican Church to see the war memorial windows and the painting of New Zealand
soldiers liberating Le Quesnoy.


TAUPŌ FRIENDLY FORUM

It was great to catch up with those of you who attended the recent Friendly
Forum in Taupō. Some of the items discussed included:

* Cost-of-living measures

* Going for Growth agenda

* Council spending and rates increases

* Emergency housing

* Police visibility in the town centre

* Tourism growth

* Marine and Coastal Area (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill

* Joint Management Agreement

As always, it's great to get your feedback and hear your concerns so I can
better represent you.


SH5 AND SH28 ROUNDABOUT

A roundabout is to be installed at the notorious intersection of SH5 and SH28
(Harwoods Road) to improve safety. Work will begin 18 August and the roundabout
is expected to be usable in March 2026.


LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 11 OCTOBER

The last day you can enrol to vote in the local government elections is Friday
10 October 2025. If you enrol to vote or update your address after 1 August, you
will need to contact your local council’s electoral officer to get your papers.
Further information is available here
[link removed]


SPEIGHT'S TAUPŌ MARATHON

Good luck to the entrants of the Speight's Taupō Marathon on Saturday (2
August).

Registration is still open on Friday 1st August 2025 and Saturday 2nd August
2025 (unless sold out prior) but it will incur a late fee. Late fees don't apply
to the Kids' Dash.


RURAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

Farmers whose incomes have been severely affected by drought can apply for Rural
Assistance Payments
[link removed]
(until 28 October 2025) to help with essential living costs. Apply through the
Ministry of Social Development (0800 559 009) or your local Rural Support Trust
[link removed]


ATTENDING EVENTS

If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend, please contact
my office well in advance (details below). My calendar fills up quickly!

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UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES


FACEBOOK LIVE

You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the
second Tuesday of each month. Note: this month it will be on the third Tuesday.

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook
[link removed] on Tuesday 19 August 2025 at 8 p.m. and
type your questions or comments.

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

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CLINICS AND FRIENDLY FORUMS

Note: Dates are subject to change.


CAMBRIDGE CLINIC

Monday, 4 August, 2:00–3:30p.m.

Please call 07 8275572 or email [email protected]
[email protected] for an appointment.


SOUTH WAIKATO FRIENDLY FORUM – PUTĀRURU

Friday, 15 August, 10:00–11:30p.m.

The Plaza, 50-56 Kensington Street, Putāruru


SOUTH WAIKATO CLINIC – TOKOROA

Friday, 15 August, 2:00–3:00p.m.

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

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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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Louise Upston
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