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.

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.

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.

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.

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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