Dear John,


Season’s Greetings!


As we head into the holiday season, I hope you and your family have a relaxing summer break.


I’m reflecting on two years of being sworn into government as a Minister - we have been able to achieve so much in those two years although there is plenty of work ahead – we’ve got a big work agenda that is all about delivering for all New Zealanders.


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GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS



REGIONAL COUNCIL PROPOSALS


The Government is proposing the most significant reforms to local government since 1989 to make it easier to plan our cities and regions, cut costs, and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders. We want fewer layers of bureaucracy, lower compliance costs, and stronger accountability.


Local government should serve communities – not confuse them. The current system is inefficient and costly, with overlapping roles and unclear accountability. We need a planning system that supports housing, infrastructure, and economic growth while protecting the environment.


Under the new planning system, there will be fewer plans, fewer consent categories, and fewer consents overall. Regional Councils will have a significantly reduced role as part of this new planning system. That’s why we have two key proposals:


1️. Abolishing Regional Councillors


Regional councillors would be replaced by new Combined Territories Boards made up of mayors from city and district councils. This means streamlined decision-making, less duplication, and better value for ratepayers.


2️. Locally-led Regional Reorganisation


Combined Territories Boards would lead plans to reorganise councils so they work better together – from shared services to merging councils – all tested against clear criteria like affordability, better services, and local voice.


This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a local government system that truly works for New Zealanders. Consultation on these proposals is open now until 20 February 2026 via the Department of Internal Affairs website [link removed] with final proposals confirmed in March.

 



STALKING NOW A CRIMINAL OFFENCE


We’re serious about improving women’s safety. Parliament has just passed a law to make stalking a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison. This is a long-overdue move to protect victims from persistent harassment and intimidation.


As Minister for Women, I fully support this change. Women are disproportionately affected by stalking and harassment, and this law sends a clear message: this behaviour will not be tolerated.


Thank you to the many advocates and brave individuals who shared their experiences to help make this happen. Together, we are building a safer, more respectful New Zealand.




NATIONAL'S 12 PER CENT KIWISAVER POLICY


We’ve released our first policy ahead of next year’s general election. We will gradually lift default KiwiSaver contributions to 6 per cent from employees and 6 per cent from employers - helping Kiwis save for their retirement and become more financially secure.


If elected next year, National will continue to increase default contribution rates by 0.5 per cent from 1 April 2029, rising by 0.5 per cent a year until 1 April 2032, to achieve a 6 per cent contribution each from employers and employees.


The change means a 21-year-old earning $65,000 could retire with a KiwiSaver balance of $1.4 million - around $400,000 more than they would under the current settings.


In Government, we are already lifting the default rate of KiwiSaver contributions for employers and employees from 3 per cent to 4 per cent by 1 April 2028.


When you work hard, save, and plan for your future, National will back you every step of the way





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OUT AND ABOUT



MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT INTO BURNHAM


Having Burnham Military Camp in the district is a real point of pride for me, and it was an honour to be alongside the Minister of Defence, Judith Collins, as she broke ground on the new Regional Supply Facility and opened the brand-new Maintenance Support Facility.


The new Maintenance Support Facility will provide a significant improvement for our superb defence forces in the South Island, while the new regional supply facility will support our local economy by providing employment opportunities for approximately 600 people across the project.









PINK RIBBON MORNING TEA


Thank you to the generous attendees of my Pink Ribbon Morning Tea last week!


The event raised over $1000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ which goes into breast cancer education, patient support, research, and advocacy.


One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it’s the most common cancer for New Zealand women. I’m sure we all know of someone who’s been affected by breast cancer.


The Government has a significant role to play in improving services to support those with breast cancer. In the last two years we have added new drug funding, introduced a new digital screening platform, and are extending free breast screening to 70-74 year olds.











 LOCAL EVENTS


It’s been a busy start to summer already with the many of the great events hosted throughout Selwyn being a great success.


I have recently attended Courtenay’s 150th A&P Show, Hororata Highland Games and the Royal A&P Show. I know a huge amount of work goes into the planning of each event, and I’d like to thank all of the hardworking committees and volunteers who put in countless hours to deliver some fantastic events for Selwyn.


Don’t forget to check out some of the amazing Christmas and summer events across the district. Supporting our local businesses and vendors is a great way to support our local economy.





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UPCOMING EVENTS


I’ll be at the Rolleston Christmas Parade this weekend. If you are attending, please do come up for a chat – we’d love to see you!

*  Rolleston Santa Parade, Rolleston Library

Sunday 7th December, 10:00am – 4:00pm


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IN THE NEWS


Government backs Farmstrong programme [link removed]

I announced that the Government has renewed its investment in rural wellbeing programme Farmstrong.


New building for equipment maintenance and repairs at Burnham Military Camp opened [link removed]-

Minister of Defence Judith Collins visited Burham Military Camp for the groundbreaking of a new logistics building site and opened the new maintenance building.



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CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN


After another big year, the Selwyn electorate and community office in Rolleston Square will be closed over the holiday period. My office will close on the 24th of December and will reopen on Monday the 19th of January.


During this time, messages will be checked periodically, and urgent enquiries will be responded to. Once the office reopens, we will be available as usual from Monday to Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm and can be contacted by emailing [email protected], phoning 03 344 2800, or by just popping in.


Kind regards,






Hon Nicola Grigg

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New Zealand

Authorised by Nicola Grigg, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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