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Dear John In this issue:
Minister's NewsTourism Delegation to China
Last week, I led a Tourism delegation to China. We are looking to grow tourism between our countries. Over 60 million Chinese are actively considering a holiday in New Zealand. Our message is clear – New Zealand is open for business. More tourism means more visitors spending across the country, supporting our local businesses – restaurants, cafes, accommodation, attractions, rental car businesses, retailers – and bringing more jobs and higher incomes for Kiwis working hard to get ahead. China is our largest trading partner and key to our economic story. There is potential for more growth. Across the electorate Tourism is one of the top three industries, so it is important for us to grow our visitor numbers. Qantas and Jetstar Increase FlightsQantas and Jetstar are showing confidence in our market by adding 660,000 extra seats on New Zealand domestic and trans-Tasman flights, creating potential for more tourists to enter New Zealand and travel domestically once here. Cruise Ship Season Sets SailLast Monday the Crown Princess docked in Auckland on the first day of cruise-ship season. We've been working hard to remove entry barriers, so it's great that nearly 40 ships bringing around 177,000 visitors are expected to arrive on our shores this season.
$70m Events BoostGovernment is investing $70 million to energise the events sector, boost regional economies and give Kiwis and overseas visitors something to anticipate and celebrate. We've widened the scope of what will be eligible for funding to include sporting fixtures, concerts, and festivals, for example. This significant increase in Government investment will allow New Zealand to compete with Australia to host big events and will give international visitors even more reasons to come and explore New Zealand. Rural Women CentenaryI joined local and national female elected representatives at Rural Women New Zealand's centennial, which incorporated their 132 years of Women's Suffrage celebration. This is a formidable group of women who have achieved much over the century and are in fine heart to keep contributing to the fabric of rural New Zealand for another 100 years.
In the HouseEconomyFollowing a 0.9 per cent increase in real Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of this year, Stats NZ figures released this month show GDP fell 0.9 per cent in the second quarter. International turmoil and uncertainty relating to tariffs have impacted on businesses’ and households’ investment decisions, but as we near the end of the third quarter, there are signs the economy is growing again. After an extensive search, a highly qualified and experienced Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr Anna Breman, has been appointed and will begin her five-year term from 1 December 2025. New Zealand-Saudi Trade BoostFive new commercial partnerships between New Zealand and Saudi Arabia have been signed, deepening New Zealand’s trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf region. Food and beverage, animal management, agri-tech, healthcare and the creative industries are areas of focus expected to generate more than $100m for NZ. Holidays Act ChangeThe complicated Holidays Act 2003 will be replaced with the Employment Leave Act to simplify and clarify how leave is calculated and taken. Some changes include:
You can find more details about the new Act here. Reduction in Youth OffendingAs a result of our tough-on-crime approach, the number of serious and persistent child and youth offenders is trending downwards. It is 14.6 per cent lower than in June 2023, indicating that we will reach our reduction target several years earlier than planned. Anecdotal evidence suggests repeat young offenders are less likely to re-offend because they know Courts, Oranga Tamariki, and Police are working together more closely and that there will be consequences for their actions – and communities are feeling safer. Extra Early Childhood Education HelpSo far, 87,800 households have registered for FamilyBoost, and more than 67,000 families have received payments through the scheme. The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Bill has increased the proportion of Early Childhood Education (ECE) fees families can claim from 25 per cent to 40 per cent. An eligible household with fees of $100 a week will see its FamilyBoost entitlement increase from $25 to $40 per week, or from $1300 to $2080 per year, for example. The maximum a family can now claim increases from $75 to $120 per week. The Act has also increased the household income limit for FamilyBoost from $180,000 per year to just under $230,000, making about 21,000 more households eligible. Secondary Curriculum UpgradesA future-focused curriculum that recognises the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in our global future is being developed. Other new subjects will include:
Industry-led subjects will include:
The Government is investing $413 million in school infrastructure to improve classrooms and provide a significant boost for builders and tradies across New Zealand, effective immediately. Health Elective Boost Exceeds TargetBy making the health system work smarter, using both public hospitals and private providers in a coordinated national effort, Government has exceeded its first Elective Boost target of an extra 10,579 procedures (like hip, knee, and cataract surgeries) before 30 June by delivering more than 16,000 additional procedures so far, and reducing wait times for patients. The long-term goal is to treat 95 per cent of patients within four months by 2030. An additional 75,000 diagnostic procedures will be delivered this year through Government's $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan, aimed at reducing wait times for critical diagnostic procedures such as MRI scans and colonoscopies. The Government is also delivering a major $100 million investment to accelerate improvements across New Zealand's hospital facilities. Emissions Trading SchemeGovernment has delivered on its election promise by passing the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill. It strikes the right balance between protecting our most productive food-growing farmland and supporting rural communities while maintaining confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). It also ensures foresters can continue to invest with confidence. As promised, we have stopped the wholesale conversion of farms into pine forests, but as forestry is also important to our regional economies, we are working hard to support both sectors to create jobs and grow exports to benefit all New Zealanders. Legislation will take effect from October. Recognising PalestineNew Zealand has long supported the two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination. Our long-standing policy is that Palestinian state recognition is a matter of when, not if. New Zealand has repeated our call for:
New Zealand is committed to alleviating the immense suffering in Gaza by providing $10 million more to international humanitarian partners delivering emergency supplies into the area. We need courageous leadership that meets the human needs of shelter, sustenance, peace, security, and hope that this, and future generations, will flourish. Without hope, the cycles of violence that fuel and perpetuate this ongoing conflict will never end. Instead, the next generation of terrorists will be recruited from populations who only hate. Hamas has no place in any future Palestinian State. It continues to hold hostages. There is currently no fully legitimate and viable State of Palestine to recognise. When New Zealand sees action in the form of agreements, and when statehood emerges (with institutions to support it), New Zealand will recognise Palestinian statehood. The Israeli Government's response to the barbaric Hamas’ attack on Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023 was grossly disproportionate. While the international community focuses on the suffering in Gaza and Ukraine, humanitarian crises in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Sudan and Myanmar are also of grave concern. Electorate NewsFarewell Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tuukino VIIII was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, the esteemed ariki of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. He was a leader of immense mana who carried his responsibilities with humility and strength. His guardianship of Tongariro, Taupō-nui-a-Tia and the taiao ensured their mauri will endure for generations to come. His leadership extended beyond Ngāti Tūwharetoa, shaping the future of iwi, Māori, and Aotearoa as a whole. I was privileged to know Sir Tumu and to witness his wisdom, dignity, and aroha for his people and his whenua. His legacy will stand as a guide for us all. I send my condolences and aroha to Lady Susan, the whānau pani, and to Ngāti Tūwharetoa at this very sad time. SH1 Cambridge to PiarereThe 16km four-lane Waikato Expressway extension from Cambridge to the newly completed roundabout at Piarere is one step closer with the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) independent panel granting resource consent (subject to conditions) under our Government's fast-track consenting regime. New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) Waka Kotahi is planning to begin construction late next year. The project will be completed in 2033. This project is part of our Going for Growth Plan. Economic growth is essential to raising living standards, creating higher-paying jobs, and delivering vital public services for New Zealanders. Essential infrastructure like this allows the efficient and sustainable transport of people and goods, and facilitates trade and investment. It is essential to driving economic growth. Farming on a RollIt is great to see farmers taking advantage of Investment Boost to upgrade assets to help them strengthen their businesses. This investment is in turn supporting other local businesses. Supercritical Geothermal Site ChosenSupercritical geothermal energy is clean and renewable and has the potential to deliver several times the power output of conventional geothermal wells. Land within the Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in the Taupō Volcanic Zone has been selected as a preferred site for New Zealand’s first supercritical geothermal exploration which could help prove the viability of supercritical geothermal energy. The Coalition Government has committed up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop the first of three exploratory wells. Design work is underway and drilling is expected to begin in 18-24 months. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Tauhara North No.2 Trust (guardian of the Rotokawa geothermal resources), the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Mercury (which operates the Rotokawa geothermal power station), to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy at the site. Earth Sciences NZ is contributing technical and scientific expertise. SH1 Opening Taupō Woolworths
It is encouraging to see businesses investing locally, so it was my pleasure to attend the opening of the new Woolworths supermarket in Taupō.
Carter Holt Harvey Tokoroa Proposed ClosureI was disappointed to hear of Carter Holt Harvey's (CHH) proposed closure in Tokoroa. I have reached out to the union and local Ministry of Social Development who will be able to support those who require it, and will work closely with Council on Project Phoenix to focus on the future. Businesses have been struggling with years of high inflation and low growth, along with changing demand. Privately owned businesses like CHH must also make tough decisions to manage high costs. Government is working hard to create favourable conditions for business growth, fix and grow the economy to support industry and create more jobs. Toi-OhomaiToi-Ohomai has recently confirmed it will continue to offer face-to-face training in Tokoroa and Taupō and it will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the needs of learners and employers are the focus. Project Phoenix, a collaboration between me as your MP, South Waikato District Council, agencies including the South Waikato Investment Trust Fund (SWIFT), Government, Ministry of Social Development, and South Waikato community organisations, businesses and educational and training institutes was set up after the closure of the PM6 paper machine at Kinleith Mill to help employees and contractors transition to new employment. A Project Phoenix taskforce tasked with ensuring South Waikato retains Toi-Ohomai – a critical education provider for the region – is looking at future labour needs of the district and how training programmes can meet the demand from employers and companies looking to grow in the area. St Peter's Catholic School VisitIt was a treat to start my morning recently listening to St Peter's Catholic School students singing waiata and watching them perform kapa haka. It's a thriving school in the heart of Cambridge. Students were sporting their house colours in preparation for cross country later that day.
RoadworksSH5/SH28 Harwoods Road Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of SH5 and SH28 (Harwoods Road) continues. The road has been narrowed by cones and speed restrictions are in place.
Tīrau to Waiouru (T2W) Roadworks The second season of the State Highway 1 (SH1) Tīrau to Waiouru (T2W) Accelerated Maintenance Project starts this month. During season one, the project rebuilt and repaired 49.4 kms of the worst sections of SH1 between Piarere (north of Tīrau), and Waiouru, representing the largest SH1 road maintenance season delivered by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). Season two works will include road rebuilding and maintenance in areas not worked on last season, normal maintenance, and speed and safety works across T2W, as well as completing final road surfacing of last-season's works. At completion, the T2W project will have rebuilt 27 percent of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru totalling 66.11kms of the total 220km length. Following feedback, for this season, final road surfacing will be completed as nighttime stop/go or overnight closures, and the Taupō to Tūrangi section will be completed under contraflow (traffic travelling in both directions with temporary speed limits) and stop/go traffic management. This season Smart Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be used between Taupō and Tūrangi to show the difference in travel times using SH1 or the alternative route. SH1 Taupō to Tūrangi Work continues at Waitahanui. Lane shifts and temporary speed limits are in place, Overnight work (subject to weather) Sunday-Thursday nights (7pm to 6am) until mid-October has started at Hatepe Hill, so prepare for delays. SH1 Tīrau Nighttime (7pm to 6am) detours will be in place in Tīrau for a month between Sundays and Thursdays (beginning 14 September) while the road between the town and the roundabout is rebuilt, kerb and channel is replaced, and culverts are repaired. During the day SH1 is open under temporary speed limits. See the detour route below.
Whakamaru Dam Closure SH32 will be closed from Monday 13 October for up to 10 days while Mercury completes work on the Whakamaru Dam bridge. Southbound motorists are advised to detour via SH1 through Taupō, and motorists coming from SH30 are advised to travel via Pīohipi Road. For updates about what's happening in your area, sign up to NZTA's newsletter here. Friendly ForumsThis month I held a Friendly Forum in Cambridge and a Clinic in Tokoroa. It is always useful to hear constituents' concerns and ideas. See below for the next opportunities to engage with me and how to contact my electorate offices.
Local Government Elections 11 OctoberThe last day you can enrol to vote in the local government elections is Friday 10 October 2025. If you need to enrol to vote or update your address, contact your local council’s electoral officer to get your papers. Further information is available here. Attending EventsIf 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! Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesFacebook LiveYou can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 8 p.m. and type your questions or comments. You can watch the last Facebook Live here. Clinics and Friendly ForumsNote: Dates are subject to change. Taupō Friendly ForumFriday, 17 October, 10:00–11.30a.m. Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected] to RSVP. Taupō ClinicFriday, 17 October, 2:00–3.15p.m. Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected] for an appointment. South Waikato Clinic – TokoroaThursday, 30 October, 3:30–5.00p.m. Please call 07 8865554 or email [email protected] for an appointment. South Waikato Friendly Forum - TokoroaFriday, 7 November, 10:00–11.30a.m. Tokoroa Club Inc., 38/58 Chambers Street, Tokoroa Please call 07 8865554 or email [email protected] to RSVP. Cambridge ClinicFriday, 7 November, 2:30–4.00p.m. Please call 07 8275572 or email [email protected] for an appointment. Taupō ClinicFriday, 21 November, 11:30–1.00p.m. Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected] for an appointment. Electorate AssistanceCambridge Office: Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] South Waikato: Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Taupō Office: Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Please share the news!Please forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch and connected with the community. If you received this from a friend or family member and you would like to subscribe to future newsletters, please click here and fill out the ‘Get Updates’ form at the bottom of my webpage. We believe that email is one of the best ways to stay in touch with our community, but you can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Kind regards Louise Upston Funded by Parliamentary Service |
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