Dear John,


It's the end of August - and we are soon approaching two years since being
elected. We are really starting to get into the swing of things with huge
legislative overhaul occurring to make your life better. Recent examples from
just this month include announcements that we are scrapping NCEA and we are
reforming the building consent system.



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GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS



BUILDING CONSENT REFORM

The Government is announcing the biggest change to the building consent system
in over 20 years. New Zealand’s sluggish consenting system is delaying projects
and driving up costs, making the average standalone house here 50 percent more
expensive to build than in Australia.




We must eliminate system blockages to speed up the delivery of new homes and
infrastructure, especially here in Selwyn where we want to see the delivery of
critical infrastructure – the sooner, the better. We are announcing plans to
ease the cost burden on ratepayers for defective building work. The Government
will scrap the current framework, known as joint and several liability, and
replace it with proportionate liability. Under this new model, each party will
only be responsible for the share of work they carried out.




The second major change will allow councils to voluntarily consolidate their
Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) functions with each other.




It is ridiculous builders, designers and homeowners must navigate 66 different
interpretations of the Building Code, because of the number of council BCAs
across the country. Clearing blockages in the building consent system to make it
easier and more affordable to build is an important part of this Government’s
economic growth plan.








AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY

The last month has had its fair share of colder nights which, of course, results
in a higher electricity bill. We know many Kiwis are struggling with the cost of
living, with rising energy prices putting more pressure on their budgets. That’s
why this Government is taking competition in the electricity market seriously
because more competition means Kiwis can have access to more affordable
electricity.




The new rule agreed to by the Electricity Authority will mean large power
companies have to offer their generation at the same rate to everyone and can’t
offer themselves discounts. This will level the playing field by giving smaller
companies a better chance to compete and will mean Kiwi consumers have more
choices.





REPLACING NCEA

We’ve heard feedback from numerous concerned parents and teachers about how NCEA
is not working for our teenagers.




The evidence shows NCEA is not consistent and can be hard to navigate. It
doesn’t always deliver what students and employers need.




The new qualification will be underpinned by a new national curriculum for Years
9-13 that will clearly outline what students need to learn in each subject and
when, providing more consistency.




Consultation on the proposal is open until the 15th of September, have your say
here [link removed]






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OUT AND ABOUT



COFFEE CATCHUPS

I’ve been across the district this month with Coffee Catchups in Dunsandel,
Leeston, Sheffield, Lincoln and Tai Tapu.




Thank you to everyone who popped in to say hello and brought their concerns to
me. These are a great way for me to meet with you in your neighbourhood. I’ll be
planning more by the end of the year, keep an eye on my social media to see when
the next one will be held near you.







FOOD & FIBRE AWARDS

As both the Associate Minister for Agriculture – and more importantly as the MP
for Selwyn – it was my pleasure to speak at Lincoln University’s Food & Fibre
Awards.




Looking across the room, the future of our agriculture sector looks bright and
full of talent.




My advice for the next generation is to go it! It’s such an exciting time for
the sector and our country is making so many breakthroughs in trade and in
science and innovation.








ARL

Selwyn is continuing to grow as a hub of agriscience research. A recent example
is the opening of Ravensdown’s Analytical Research Lab in Rolleston.



We want to see our farmers and growers have access to the latest innovations.
Our Government is committed to backing the success of the sector for our
economy.








BOUNDARY CHANGES

Selwyn’s rapid growth has also resulted in a change of the electorate
boundaries. The way that the boundaries are decided is by population quota.
Because of this growth, the electorate currently holds 14 per cent more
constituents than what the maximum threshold allows for. This places stress on
the systems used to support residents and these would mean that government
services would not be able to help them in a timely or efficient manner.



The changes show that Prebbleton and Templeton are moving out of the Selwyn
electorate – I have very much enjoyed serving both towns as their local MP and I
will continue to have the privilege to serve them until the general election
next year.







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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]
[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

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Authorised by Nicola Grigg, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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