As we hit December and get closer to the festive season, our caucus are back in Wellington for scrutiny week, before the final sitting block of the year.



The two-year milestone <[link removed]> for this government being sworn in has just passed, and New Zealand First continues to achieve more of our coalition commitments and progress policy for New Zealand, and all New Zealanders.

Make sure you head to our website for the full list of updates on our new achievements page <[link removed]>.



The New Zealand Government has officially banned puberty blockers <[link removed]> for children.

New Zealand First has made sure this government had the courage to do what others wouldn’t: put children’s safety above activist demands.

“And this is about more than just a woke agenda - it is about protecting children, respecting the role of parents, and strengthening Kiwi families”. – Casey Costello



Minister of Rail, Rt Hon Winston Peters, announced $2.3 billion saved as he secured two new Cook Strait rail ferries <[link removed]>. Read the full update HERE. <[link removed]>



New Zealand First introduced a Member's Bill <[link removed]> to ban public sales of fireworks.

After listening to the concerns of so many Kiwis, we have come to a point in this country where we seriously need to have this conversation, and New Zealand First is taking the lead. <[link removed]>

“The taxpayer should not be spending millions on something that drastically impacts pets, causes the inevitable fires, and causes havoc for our emergency services. Enough is enough.” – Winston Peters



WINSTON PETERS

Launched the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal <[link removed]> in association with the Salvation Army.

Continued our engagement with stakeholders and Kiwis over the Gene Tech Bill <[link removed]>.

Rounded out the month with another bout overseas <[link removed]> as Foreign Affairs Minister, visiting Viet Nam, China, Thailand and Cambodia:

- Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Nguyen Chi Dung and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung. Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Viet Nam and the launch of a Plan of Action, which will guide our cooperation over the next five years.
- He then flew to China where he attended a contract signing ceremony for New Zealand’s new Interislander ferries - hosted by Peng Yuanpu, Vice President of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, and Zhou Xuhui, President of Guangzhou Shipyard International.
- Hong Kong Jockey Club, a major partner of the horse racing industry - one of the largest suppliers of horses, trainers & vets.
- Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House in Bangkok. And then met Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, signing the Plan of Action, outlining areas of enhanced cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand.
- Met with Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, and Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Minister, Dith Tina. Cambodia showed support for New Zealand’s enhanced relationship with ASEAN as well as New Zealand’s stepped up development cooperation with Cambodia, including in the areas of agriculture, horticulture & education.

“Southeast Asia contributes significantly to New Zealanders’ prosperity and security, and we are doing all we can to maximise our mutually beneficial connections." – Winston Peters

Hear some of Winston’s recent interviews below:

- 'Enough is enough': NZ First puts forward bill to ban sale of fireworks <[link removed]>
- “Winston Peters: Why Back a Corporate Bill Over Kiwi Rights?” <[link removed]>
- Peters rejects claims of a crumbling coalition after flipping stance on Regulatory Standards Act <[link removed]>



SHANE JONES

- Got out into the regions <[link removed]> to spread the gospel of growth. 
- Shane Jones: I'm for mining and jobs not climate doom mongers and elitist oozing naysayers <[link removed]>
- Celebrated the Government’s announcement to overhaul regional councils <[link removed]>.
- Marked the final completion of the Opotiki Harbour development <[link removed]>, originally funded by New Zealand First’s Provincial Growth Fund.
- Denounced more anti-growth dribble coming from the left <[link removed]>.
- Shane Jones: Will the Māori Party have a Snoop Dogg moment or a Taylor Swift moment? <[link removed]>

Hear some of Shane’s recent interviews below:

- Shane Jones On Mining Lobbyists & Fishing Critics <[link removed]>
- Shane Jones: 30-Year Green light for Central Otago gold mine <[link removed]>



CASEY COSTELLO

- Released the new ‘Better Later Life Action Plan’ to deliver practical support for older New Zealanders focusing of what matters most: staying well, independent, and socially connected. Read more HERE. <[link removed]>
- Joined Rt Hon Winston Peters to meet with the Retirement Village Resident’s Association. <[link removed]>
- Was in the community meeting with stakeholders from Auckland <[link removed]> to Southland <[link removed]> and across to New Plymouth <[link removed]>.
- Hosted the presentation of the Hato Hone St John Annual Report <[link removed]> in Wellington.
- Hosted the National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Aging <[link removed]> event to launch the new pledges. 
- Join the New Zealand Police as they hosted the Pacific Detector Dog Programme Graduation <[link removed]>.



MARK PATTERSON

- Opened the new $11m Chatham Island Wind Farm <[link removed]> energy project.  Hear from Mark on location here. <[link removed]>
- Did a three-day tour <[link removed]> throughout the Tairawhiti region, visiting some of New Zealand’s most remote rural communities.
- Announced funding for the Jackson Bay wharf with Jenny Marcroft as part of the Westcoast port infrastructure upgrade programme.
- Attended several A&P Shows <[link removed]> – make sure you check out Mark's Facebook page <[link removed]> to see all the amazing communities he gets to go and visit – every so often he even brings a show ribbon back to Wellington with him!
- A Marlborough trip <[link removed]> with fellow MP Jamie Arbuckle.



JENNY MARCROFT

- Made sure Pharmac puts patient voice <[link removed]> at the centre of their decision making.
- Joined Hon Shane Jones <[link removed]> to celebrate community housing and solar power in Hokianga.
- Joined Jamie Arbuckle <[link removed]> in the South Island, including as part of the exciting announcement to upgrade the Jackson’s Bay Wharf <[link removed]> on the West Coast.



JAMIE ARBUCKLE, ANDY FOSTER & DAVID WILSON

- David spoke in the house about his favourite topic…. Banks! "Do we seriously believe that the big banks are going to protect Kiwi consumers?" <[link removed]>
- Jamie was joined by Jenny Marcroft <[link removed]> on the West Coast of the South Island, and was out and about at some of the local A&P shows. <[link removed]>
- As spokesperson for Auckland, David was visiting more local stakeholders <[link removed]> and community groups in the area. 
- More updates on the Selwyn Hutts community from Andy Foster in the house <[link removed]> this month.
- Jamie reflected <[link removed]> on two years in government and David did a write up <[link removed]> on Labour’s Capital Gains Tax.



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