Dear John,


Spring has sprung and we are three quarters of the way through 2025.


I've been busy around the electorate as well as in Parliament this month, and
with the warmer weather approaching I look forward to catching up with you at
events around the district.


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GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS



LEARNING SUPPORT COORDINATORS

Education minister Erica Stanford announced that our $192 million Budget 2025
investment will result in an entitlement for primary and intermediate schools to
have access to a Learning Support Coordinator over the next three years.



I’ve visited schools across the district and seen firsthand the incredible work
being done to support our learners. I’m thrilled that we’re investing to
strengthen that support and help our students reach their full potential.


Check to see when 17 Selwyn schools are set to receive support here
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RESTRICTED FARM-TO-FORESTRY CONVERSION

We have now officially delivered on our promise to protect New Zealand’s most
productive farmland from blanket pine forest conversions.




The legislation we passed this month means that forestry is now restricted on
high-value LUC 1–6 farmland. We've tried to balance protecting food production
while still allowing property owners the right to diversify their business.




Some details:

✅ Farmers can still plant up to 25 per cent of their land in forestry to
register in the ETS

✅ Annual ballots will be introduced for planting of a maximum 15,000Ha of new
exotic forestry on LUC 6 land per year

✅ Māori-owned land receives tailored exemptions

✅ Balanced support for farming and forestry to grow jobs and exports




This is a win for rural communities and food production.




This change is just another way the Government is restoring certainty,
protecting farmland, and supporting farmers and growers to get on with producing
high-quality, safe sustainable food and fibre!








NEW SKILLED MIGRANT RESIDENCE PATHWAYS

We’re introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways to help Kiwi
businesses attract and retain the workers they need to grow their businesses and
help boost our economy.




I've heard from local businesses that it’s been too hard for some migrants to
gain residence, even when they have crucial skills and experience that aren’t
available in the local workforce. We’re fixing that.




The Skilled Work Experience pathway lets employers retain proven workers who are
already adding value, while the Trades and Technician pathway recognises
practical skills in industries where sub-degree qualifications are highly
valued.




These changes will help businesses grow, fill skill shortages, boost economic
growth, and strengthen New Zealand’s workforce for the future.






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OUT AND ABOUT



BIOECONOMY SCIENCE INSTITUTE

This month I had the pleasure of hosting the British High Commissioner at the
Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) in Lincoln. The BSI is one of the new Public
Research Organisations (PROs) that have replaced the old Crown Research
Institutes.




We explored some of the cutting-edge research happening right here in Selwyn -
from sustainable agriculture to innovative bio-based technologies.




It was a great opportunity to showcase how New Zealand is leading the way in the
bioeconomy space and building strong international partnerships. Thanks to the
team at the Institute for their warm welcome and inspiring work!








RURAL NATS SOUTH ISLAND FORUM

It was great to see many familiar faces at the Rural Nats inaugural South Island
Forum in Rangiora recently.




The forum was about celebrating rural contribution, listening to your insights,
and sharing how we’re working to empower rural New Zealand to grow our economy.




A huge thank you to our Selwyn farmers, this government is proud to stand with
you. Together, we will unlock the full potential of New Zealand’s agriculture
sector - and ensure a stronger, more prosperous future for rural New Zealand.








SUFFRAGE DAY

On the 19th of September we celebrated the 132nd anniversary of Suffrage Day, a
moment to honour the courage, determination, and vision of the women who fought
for the right to vote in New Zealand.




I had the privilege of speaking at the Kate Sheppard House as Minister for Women
alongside Rural Women NZ and NZ Young Farmers, bringing a rural lens to the
suffrage story.




I also joined a panel of former MPs to discuss how our Parliament has evolved
over the last few decades.




These events are a celebration of progress, a reflection on the work still to
do, and a reminder that every voice matters - no matter where you live.








ECAN COUNCILLORS DISAPPOINT

At its final meeting before local elections, ECan voted to declare a “nitrate
emergency” - a move of political theatre, not genuine leadership.




This declaration does nothing to improve water quality. It undermines decades of
collaborative work by farmers, iwi, councils, and communities - and fuels
division and panic, rather than solutions. This is a direct attack on Canterbury
farmers.




By calling it a nitrate emergency the councillors who voted for it are merely
grandstanding for local elections. It is unnecessary, inflammatory language to
create fear and division rather than a measured and science-based response to
sensibly managing water quality.




The Government is working at pace to rewrite the RMA, and intends to have it
passed into law by next year. It will legislate for environmental protections
and enable a productive rural economy. A new national direction for freshwater
management - and improved farm plan regulations - will be completed by early
next year, giving councils the tools they need to improve water quality without
unnecessarily harming businesses and the local economy.



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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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