Dear John,

Defence Force retention is improving

Earlier in the year I flew to Waiouru from Base Ohakea in an NH90 helicopte=
r to see 153 defence force recruits graduate from their comprehensive and d=
emanding basic training into their new places in the army. =C2=A0These youn=
g people had endured mental tests as well physical and emotional challenges=
.
=C2=A0
I reminded them that these skills will carry them through their career as t=
hey enter the Defence Force at a time when people are "living in global unc=
ertainty".
The strategic environment is more complex and volatile than it has been in =
decades. Conflicts are escalating ... In this environment, New Zealand's co=
ntribution matters.
=C2=A0
New Zealand and its Defence Force stand for peace, for co-operation and for=
the protection of those who cannot protect themselves. Professionalism and=
readiness including being properly equipped are essential and the Defence =
Capability Plan is going to pour $12 billion worth of investment into the D=
efence Force over the next 15 years.

I believe, this investment is one of the most significant things we've been=
able to do in terms of changing people's lives and also security of the co=
untry.
=C2=A0I have also been to Linton Camp where the Commander Mike van Welie de=
monstrated the components of his light infantry battalion that has everythi=
ng from dogs and weaponry to boats, light armoured vehicles and drones.
=C2=A0
I was impressed by the display and I could see that money was being well sp=
ent with much more to come including securing new maritime helicopters, rep=
lacing the air force's two Boeing 757s, and ramping up work on the use of d=
rones.

This sort of investment is what encourages people to join the defence force=
s and remain in them and I am glad to see retention receding dramatically a=
s an issue.

I want every recruit and their family to know that I back our defence force=
personnel and I want them to be properly equipped to do their important wo=
rk for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

The Fast Track Approvals Act 2024
=C2=A0
From mid-July this year, the Fast Track Projects system has become availabl=
e, and I am pleased to see several companies in Papakura are taking the ini=
tiative and using it to fast track their projects.

Under the new Fast Track, if your project is within the 149 activities list=
ed in the Act, a fast-track application can be submitted directly to the Mi=
nistry for the Environment/ Environment Protection Authority.

You can get free advice from EPA on the Fast track of projects by phoning
Freephone: 0800 225 537 or by

Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

And this website will provide more information about the process:
[www.fasttrack.govt.nz]([link removed]
iew)

=C2=A0
The process at a glance

=C2=A0
The process involves applying for referral to use the Fast-track process, f=
ollowed by a substantive application for the approvals needed. Projects lis=
ted in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (=E2=80=9Cthe Act=E2=80=9D) don=E2=
=80=99t need referral and can go straight to the substantive application. O=
ther projects need referral before making a substantive application.
=C2=A0
Step 1: Applying for referral to use the Fast-track process

- Complete pre-lodgement consultation and other preparation.

- Write and submit your referral application.

- The Ministry for the Environment assesses the application for completenes=
s.

- The Minister for Infrastructure decides whether to accept or decline the =
application.

More detail: [Referral application to use the Fast-track]([link removed]
rack.govt.nz/process/referral-application-to-use-the-fast-track)

=C2=A0
Step 2: Substantive application for resource consent and other approvals

- Complete relevant preliminary steps as described in the Act.

- Optional: seek priority for the project via an application to the Ministe=
r.

- Write and submit your substantive application.

- Fast-track team assesses the application for completeness and other matte=
rs.

- An expert panel considers the substantive application. They invite commen=
ts and organise other information or activities required to support their d=
ecision. They may decide to hold a hearing.

- The panel issues its decision. If the application is approved, the panel =
can set conditions the project must meet.
I wish everyone well who finds that this new legislation will fast track th=
eir project=E2=80=99s progress. As we know this is a way to boost productiv=
ity in Papakura and across New Zealand.
=C2=A0

Banishing Red Tape

I am in strong support of the Red Tape Tipline which will help homeowners b=
uilding garden sheds, sleepouts, or garages to face less red tape and fewer=
delays by the end of this year. Regulation Minister David Seymour and Buil=
ding and Construction Minister Chris Penk are supporting this initiative.

Cabinet has agreed that later this year the minimum required distance betwe=
en single storey buildings under 10 square metres and a property boundary o=
r other residential building (setback distance) will be removed.=C2=A0

Cabinet has also agreed to reduce the setback distance to one metre for sin=
gle storey buildings between 10 and 30 square metres.

Previously, garden sheds and other single storey detached buildings like sl=
eep outs or garages had to be as far from a boundary or residential buildin=
g as they were tall. Anything closer than that required building consent wh=
ich is overkill for a hobby space, a sleepout or a garden or bike shed.=C2=
=A0

There is no justification for unworkable setback distances on private prope=
rty especially as property sizes have reduced over the last decades and lan=
d prices have increased.

The Ministers want to hear about red tape that=E2=80=99s getting in the way=
=E2=80=93 and I encourage anyone with a red tape issue to report it on the=
[Ministry for Regulation website]([link removed]
regulatory-issues/tell-us-about-a-regulatory-issue/).

All the best ,
=C2=A0

Judith

Hon Judith Collins KC
MP for Papakura

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[www.national.org.nz]([link removed])
=C2=A0
New Zealand National Party
41 Pipitea Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
New Zealand
=C2=A0
If this email advertises any event or events that asked for payment to atte=
nd, then it is a fundraising event with proceeds, after costs, being a dona=
tion to the New Zealand National Party.
=C2=A0
Authorised by J de Joux, 41 Pipitea St, Wellington.

=C2=A9 2025 | All rights reserved.

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