We live in busy times with all the work being done by the Coalition Government to improve the lives of Kiwis.
I am pleased to report that the Minister of Health through Health New Zealand has initiated the procurement of land in Drury for a major new health facility that will be designed to meet the needs of the growing population in our electorate and in surrounding communities. The new facility will provide hospital beds, operating theatres and emergency services once built.
The Request for Information (RFI) issued on behalf of Health New Zealand for the supply of land in South Auckland for a large-scale hospital and related healthcare infrastructure is open from 10 October 2025 to 6 November 2025. For details see:
www.gets.govt.nz/HEALTHNZAlso in Health this year, 75,000 additional diagnostic procedures will be delivered including MRI scans and colonoscopies. The age for free bowel-screening for people in Northland, Auckland and South Island has been dropped to 58 years and free breast screening is to be extended in stages to women up to age 75 years in most areas. For more information see:
www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/national-bowel-screening-programme/
Ceasefire and hostages release in Gaza and Israel
Like all New Zealanders, I am relieved by the announcement of the first phase of the US-led peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered and it will be life-changing for them to have a ceasefire and the release of hostages and return of prisoners, all of which, we as a Government, have called for from the start. It is good that the countries with leverage in this situation have now stepped up and are prepared to lead and progress this welcome end to the destruction and hostilities.
We commend the efforts of the parties involved in the negotiations, including the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.
Now everyone has to deliver on their promises, and it appears Hamas have released all of the hostages, Israel has released all prisoners and now it must withdraw its troops to the agreed-upon line.
This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution.
We hope that the protestors in New Zealand and their political allies in Parliament will applaud the deal that has been struck.
We should remember the terrible damage to lives and property, homes and businesses that has occurred with sorrow and like our Government, give support to some agencies who can now deliver food, clothes, supplies and aid where it is needed.
Lower OCR will boost the economy
Last Thursday the Reserve Bank announced a 50 basis-point Official Cash Rate reduction. Our Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says this will further ease pressure on Kiwi households and businesses and it shows the Government’s monetary policy is doing its job. The reduction will be welcome news to mortgage-holders and give a growth boost to businesses, jobs and investment, as the effects of OCR reductions flow through to interest rates.
Gratitude
My recent travels have revealed some awful sights of the destruction and danger that civilians endure in their home countries due to the unjustified actions of a neighbouring one. These brave people seem to keep going with a smile on their faces and gratitude for the small kindnesses they receive. They somehow continue to show hospitality to others including people like me visiting their country. I felt I was causing them extra effort as they cared for my welfare but they showed real appreciation for gestures of support from our little country.
It makes me think we have so much to be thankful for in New Zealand - our community- based cities, beautiful countryside and coasts, our small population where everyone knows someone and our relaxed lifestyle and peace.
We must continue to be good citizens of the world and I think we manage that through the efforts of our Government Ministers’ frequent visits to other countries on foreign affairs and trade missions, involvement in diplomacy as independent thinkers, providers of support in times of man-made and natural disasters, developers of medical and engineering technologies and more.
I am grateful to you for all that you do in your communities, schools, businesses and the contribution you make to support others less fortunate both here in New Zealand and overseas.
