 |
Dear John In this issue:
Minister's NewsBlind and Low Vision's Accessing the Essentials BreakfastGovernment is working to build digital accessibility into the everyday work of ministries. In today’s interconnected world, digital information is a powerful enabler. It opens doors to education, employment, social connection, and essential public services. It is key to independence and consumer choice.
When we design websites, mobile apps, and digital services that everyone can use, we signal that every person matters and that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in society. Three-Day Stay BillBefore becoming a Minister this Parliamentary term, my member's Pae Ora (Healthy Futures)(3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill was drawn out of the biscuit tin. Upon becoming a Minister, MP for Tukituki Catherine Wedd took over shepherding this Bill through Parliament. This legislation ring-fences funding which entitles mothers to 72 hours of postnatal hospital care. If one mother doesn't use her allocation, it can be passed on to another one who needs more than the allotted 72 hours. This will now be progressed as a Government Bill. Cruise Ships Homeport in NZCarnival line will homeport in Auckland again in the 2027 winter season after a four-year hiatus. Its ships will begin and end voyages in Auckland, making it a base for passengers embarking and disembarking, provisioning and crew operations – meaning more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses in the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors. Cruise tourism injected $1.37 billion into New Zealand's economy last financial year. New Zealand will welcome an estimated 177,000 cruise visitors across nearly 40 ships during the 2025–2026 season. We’ve worked hard to make the most of opportunities, remove barriers, provide clarity on regulatory costs and support new ways to manage biofouling. Government has also set up a Fast-Track Approvals process supporting efficient consenting for much-needed infrastructure like Port of Auckland’s development of a new wharf and passenger terminal for cruise vessels. And we’ve confirmed ongoing cruise access to Milford Sound. Jim Bolger ONZ PCSadly, former Prime Minister and National Party Leader Jim Bolger was laid to rest last week. My thoughts are with his wife, Joan, and his family as they come to terms with his loss.
Jim played a pivotal role in the Waikato Tainui settlement law 30 years ago. It was one of the earliest and most significant Treaty settlements in the country's history. Post-Parliament, he was Chancellor of Waikato University for 12 years. Our paths crossed many times over the past two decades and I'll always be grateful for the encouragement and advice he gave ne both as an MP and a Minister. His impact on the Waikato and New Zealand has been immeasurable. In the HouseEconomyMost economists expected inflation to peak in the third quarter, and the annual Consumers Price Index (CPI) inflation did rise from 2.7 per cent in the year to June, to 3 per cent in the year to September 2025, but it still remains in the Reserve Bank's 1 to 3 percent target range. The rate is expected to decline towards 2 per cent in the first half of next year which will ease pressure on households and businesses. Continued discipline will be needed by Government. Increases in local authority rates and payments (8.8 per cent) and electricity (11.3 per cent) were major contributors to inflation, highlighting the importance of councils sticking to their core business and Government securing additional energy sources. Encouragingly, domestic inflation continues to fall. It is down from 3.7 per cent in the June quarter, to 3.5 per cent. This is the lowest rate since mid-2021, and is down from a high of 6.8 per cent in the March quarter of 2023. 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, but there is still more work to do. 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. Court System ImprovementsImprovements in the court system mean victims, families, and businesses are getting faster justice and closure. Courts are completing cases faster and reducing the backlog. Safety is essential to trust in the justice system. A recent survey showed:
We're expanding the use of audio-visual links in court, allowing participants to attend remotely so victims feel safer and court processes are accelerated. New Rescue HelicoptersGovernment and ACC are funding new air ambulance helicopters to replace the oldest of our ageing fleet, providing improved safety, more reliable service, a better capacity to respond in bad weather conditions, reduced maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency and better operational performance. That means that 16 new or near-new helicopters will be operational across the country, most of them by mid-2026. Bowel ScreeningBowel cancer is New Zealand’s second-deadliest cancer (after lung cancer). Free bowel screening for 58–60-year-olds is being rolled out across the country, bringing New Zealand in line with Australia. Some 122,000 people will become eligible in the first year. Waikato people already have access to the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for Symptomatic home test (which identifies traces of blood in a stool sample). It is expected to reduce colonoscopy referrals by 30–60 per cent. People turning 58, 59 or 60 will now be mailed a test kit or be contacted by their health provider around their birthday. An extra 7,100 colonoscopies will be delivered before July 2026. Colonoscopies will be prioritised for those at highest risk, reducing wait times, speeding up diagnoses and freeing resources to expand screening. Around $19 million will be invested in lifting screening rates in populations with low participation. Since 2017, more than 2.53 million home test kits have been sent out and nearly 3,000 cancers have been detected. At least 40 per cent of them were found early when they are more treatable. Screening is expected to prevent more than 30 cancers and save around 23 lives on average per year. Breast ScreeningBreast cancer is the most common cancer for NZ women. Every day, another nine New Zealanders learn they have breast cancer – around 3,400 each year. On average, 25 of them are men. Free breast screening has been extended to women aged 70–74. Each October for the next three years, eligibility will extend to include women aged 71, 72, and 73, making around 130,000 additional women eligible for screening every two years Health New Zealand is also recruiting and training more staff, investing in mammography and ultrasound machines, opening new screening and assessment facilities, and building four new mobile screening units. Aged-Care ReformGovernment wants better health outcomes for the 900,000 New Zealanders who are over 65, and a better, fit-for-purpose aged-care system. The current funding model is outdated and does not recognise the connection between the various parts of the system or the future investment required. We want a system that provides the right type of care in the right place (and allows people to transition between types of care), that’s easier to navigate and access, that’s fair, and that's sustainable and will endure as our population ages. We need long-term thinking and a bipartisan approach to solutions. An expert Ministerial Advisory Group will provide an independent report and a set of recommendations around three areas:
We also need a system that recognises most people want to stay at home if they can, and allows them to access and move between the different levels of care they might need. Granny Flat Rule ChangeRecently passed legislation will soon allow Kiwis to build granny flats up to 70 square metres in their backyards without a building consent, unlocking more housing choices. Granny flats can be great for grandparents, disabled people, young adults, and rural-sector workers. To support this change to the Building Act, an updated National Direction under the Resource Management Act (RMA) will remove the need for resource consents for granny flats and is expected to be in place by the end of the year. The exemption will come into effect in early 2026. Exemptions will only apply if granny flats are simple in design, meet the Building Code and building work is carried out by authorised building professionals. Homeowners will also need to notify their local council before they begin building and once their granny flat is completed. Changes have also been made to the rules around building garages and garden sheds. Rooftop Solar PanelsA new building consent exemption for rooftop solar panels (on all buildings) came into force last week. Installations still need to be carefully managed and comply with the Building Code, but this exemption will help avoid unnecessary delays and save Kiwis around $1,200 per consent. For rooftop installations over 40 square metres in total area per roof, or in very high wind speed areas, a chartered professional engineer must provide or review the design of the structural fixings for the exemption to apply. Roads of National Significance
While the Cambridge to Piarere Waikato Expressway extension is progressing, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has endorsed investment cases for all of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS), including the Hamilton Southern Links. Funding of $100m has been allocated to progress design, consenting and significant site investigation work. Approved RoNS property funding will be used to enable land acquisition to get the project underway. This endorsement and approval of funding ensures progress on these projects continues at pace. The Waikato region’s productivity and central location make it a vital freight and distribution hub. By 2048, an extra 224,000 people are forecast to be living in the Waikato and we need transport networks that can keep the region moving. The Links is expected to reduce travel times between Tamahere and western Hamilton by 14 minutes. By 2055, it will also support access to 17,300 new houses and 7,100 new jobs. Hamilton Southern Links will be built in stages, spreading the construction and cost over multiple National Land Transport Programme periods as funding becomes available. Transport ReformsGovernment is working on modernising New Zealand’s land transport rules, with public consultation beginning on three significant areas of work including the frequency of WoFs. You can have your say here before 17 December 2025. Electorate NewsLocal Body ElectionsI’d like to acknowledge the work the outgoing Mayors, Councillors and Community Board members across the electorate have dedicated to their communities over the last term. I congratulate Mayor Gary Petley who retained his seat at South Waikato District Council, and I look forward to working with new Waipā District Mayor Mike Pettit and new Taupō District Mayor John Funnell and their teams for the betterment of our communities. New School Board of TrusteesI would also like to congratulate the recently elected school boards of trustees. Your responsibilities are not insignificant, and I wish you all the best for your tenure in this exciting phase of education. Pride in Putāruru Business AwardsCongratulations to all the winners of the Putāruru Business and Community Awards, especially the Supreme Business of the Year, Strong By Blood, (which also received the Innovation Leader Award). It's fantastic to have your hard work, customer service, and entrepreneurship recognised.
I popped in to congratulate Shane, The Baker Tirau (pictured), winner of the Workplace Culture Award and the Marketing Excellence Award, and I hope to visit other winners over the coming months to congratulate you in person. 100% New Zealand MuralTaupō artist Gemma Clough's new mural really brightens the Taupō lakefront hospitality precinct. It features Tourism New Zealand's 100% Pure New Zealand branding – the first and only permanent physical use of the branding. It's a fantastic way to draw attention to all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife in the area. Some of the motifs also appear in the carved pou nearby.
Project PhoenixProject 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. Following the end of plywood production at Carter Holt Harvey's Tokoroa plant, I have participated in the South Waikato Equip Jobs and Wellbeing Forum for former workers from Kinleith and Carter Holt Harvey and their families. Ministry of Social Development staff and local support groups were there to provide options for employment and support moving forward. Toi-OhomaiA Project Phoenix taskforce has worked to ensure South Waikato retains its critical education provider. Toi-Ohomai has 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. This is a real win for the community. The taskforce 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. Huka LodgeIt was fabulous to see the recently renovated Huka Lodge ("New Zealand's oldest luxury retreat") being listed in 88th place in the inaugural 51–100 list of “The World’s 50 Best Hotels” 2025 – the first and only New Zealand accommodation to receive this recognition. Motutere SH1 Speed ConsultationA speed limit change to 60km/h on the 0.85km section of SH1 alongside the Motutere Holiday Park (south of Taupo) is being proposed for pedestrian safety. Public consultation is open until 17 November. Go to the NZTA website. 2026 ITM Taupō Super 440Taupō International Motorsport Park is hosting the first round of The NZ Double Header, 10–12 April 2026. Only 157 more sleeps! Tickets are already on sale. New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine Curriculum CollaborationAn innovative, digital-first medical curriculum for the University of Waikato-based New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will be developed in collaboration with experts in rural and regional health education at the University of Wollongong (UoW). Over the last nearly 20 years, UoW has trained doctors to meet the shortfall in rural areas and primary care. This work brings the 2028 opening of the Waikato-based medical school one step closer! Taupō Harcourts Good SortIt was a privilege to celebrate Harcourts October Good Sort award winner Jilly Stanaway. Jilly is the heart behind the Harcourts Taupō Pink Walk, bringing our community together to support Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand. Her energy, kindness, and tireless work make the event so special. Thank you, Jilly. You truly are a Good Sort!
South Waikato Students' Work PublishedTokoroa student and author Rutendo Shadaya recently published a book showcasing South Waikato students' work. The Creative Currents: Tales and Art by South Waikato Tamariki featured work from seven visual artists and 10 writers aged 8–14 years old. Knowing from experience how hard it is for young people to get their work published, Rutendo applied for a CreativeNZ grant and used it to help others following in her creative footsteps. A fantastic gift to her community!
Tokoroa High School Breakfast ClubI'd like to acknowledge my Youth MP Ryder Miller and Donovan Booyse for their leadership of Tokoroa High School’s 15–30 volunteers who run the KickStart Breakfast club, an initiative of Fonterra, Sanitarium and the Ministry of Social Development. Tūrangi Fire Brigade AwardsIt was an honour to attend the Turangi Fire Brigade Annual Honours Evening and 25-Year Gold Star Presentation recently. Tangonui Kingi was presented with a well-deserved Gold Star for 25 years' service. Congratulations also to the recipients of the Long Service Good Conduct Medals. Thank you for all that you do for your community! Blue Springs Te Waihou WalkwayI urge you all to take care when travelling past the carpark entrances to the Blue Springs Te Waihou Walkway (Whites Road SH28 and Leslie Road) as the summer tourism season builds. Not everyone parks considerately, and a moment's lapse of attention by parents could result in children running out onto the road. RoadworksWork continues on SH1 as the weather improves. For updates about what's happening in your area, sign up to NZTA's newsletter here. Overnight work (between 7pm and 6am) between Putāruru and Tokoroa continues Sunday to Thursday nights under stop/go management. Temporary speed limits will apply during the day.
Between Taupō and Tūrangi stop/go management will be in place at the southern end of Motuoapa during the day (between 7am and 6pm) Monday to Friday until around Friday 7 November. Speed restrictions will be in place at other times. Overnight work at Hatepe Hill continues Sunday to Thursday under stop/go management. If you are planning a trip, check out NZTA's Journey Planner to find where likely delays will occur. Arapuni Hydro DamMercury has large-scale remediation work planned for 2026 – 18–26 months’ work. In preparation, it is doing relief drainage work at the bottom of the dam from October 2025–March 2026. The road will be closed and traffic will be diverted for 18–26 months from early next year. It is likely the diversion will follow Powerhouse Road, connecting to Arapuni Road. One section will be single-laned and managed by traffic lights. Powerhouse Road and the western end of the swing bridge will likely be closed to walkers and cyclists during that time. 35th Waikato Diwali Mela
It was a pleasure to speak at the recent Waikato Diwali Mela. It is always great to see so many people coming together to celebrate light over darkness; good over evil; knowledge over ignorance; hope and renewal in this positive and vibrant ancient tradition. Starbucks and Burger King TīrauDespite opposition, two independent commissioners granted Tahua Properties Limited resource consent to operate a drive-through Burger King and Starbucks in Tīrau, with some conditions attached (for example, trading hours being between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., lit signs being turned off at 11 p.m., and landscaping and waste management stipulations). People have had a chance to appeal to the Environment Court. A final decision will be delivered in due course. UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships SuccessCambridge cyclist 21-year-old Devon Briggs won his second gold medal at Rio de Janeiro, winning the MC3 10km race on the final day of the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships recently. Nicole Murray also claimed a bronze medal in the C5 10,000m, one of her four medals for the week. Congratulations to you both! Student ExamsBest of luck to senior school students and university students who are sitting their exams in coming weeks. Sausage AwardsCongratulations to Moos Baas & Oinks of Putāruru which won silver with their hot Mexican lamb sausage at the Great New Zealand Sausage competition recently, followed closely by Heritage Meats in Taupō which won bronze for their lamb, rosemary and garlic recipe. Attending EventsI'm always keen to meet with local groups and organisations. Last week, for example, I spoke to the SuperBlues in Hamilton who raised lots of great questions! If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend or speak at, 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, 11 November 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. 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 |
 41 Pipitea Street Authorised by Louise Upston, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. |
This email was sent to [email protected] Click here to manage your preferences or unsubscribe from all emails. |