Dear John,
It’s hard to believe another year has flown by. Representing the mighty Rangitīkei is a privilege, and I’m constantly inspired by the outstanding people and communities who make this such a fantastic place we call home.
2025 has been a full and rewarding year – from hosting 13 of my Minister and MP colleagues – including the Prime Minister, to attending 182 local events, and meeting hundreds of constituents.
I hope you enjoy the festive season, make memories with loved ones and recharge your batteries for the New Year ahead. Please stay safe these holidays, whether it’s on the roads or in the water. A big thank you to those working through the holidays – our incredible emergency services, defence personnel and essential workers.
To wrap up the year, and in the spirit of a well-known Christmas classic, here are twelve moments from around Rangitīkei which have helped make the year memorable.
In no particular order, I hope you enjoy The Twelve Highlights of Rangitīkei!
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful Christmas and a fantastic start to 2026.
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On the first of our Rangitīkei highlights we celebrate… The opening of the new Manawatū-Tararua Highway – Te Ahu a Turanga – with no toll!
On 11 June the Manawatū-Tararua Highway opened to the public, with no toll – something my friend and colleague Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa, and I strongly advocated for.
It’s an incredible road to drive and an outstanding feat of engineering – 12 kilometres of highway, four lanes, a 10-degree gradient and 6.2 million cubic metres of soil moved. A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to life.
On the second of our Rangitīkei highlights we recognise… Helen Worboys and her outstanding contribution to Rangitīkei
Helen Worboys has been a driving force in our community for many years. As former Manawatu District Mayor and Manager of Feilding Promotions, she’s worked hard to make Rangitīkei a great place to live and do business.
Her recent Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Pin from Rotary is well deserved. Helen brings energy, good humour, and a steady commitment to every role she takes on – never seeking recognition, just demonstrating a genuine commitment to serve.
Thank you, Helen, for your service and dedication to the people of the Manawatu District and Rangitīkei.
Helen (centre) with Carol Green, Rotary 9940 District Governor and Glenn Coogan, President, Feilding Oroua Rotary Club.
On the third of our Rangitīkei highlights we recall …
A very special visit from our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
In July we welcomed the Prime Minister to the mighty Rangitīkei for a day packed with local pride and innovation. From world-leading fuel pump makers PEC in Marton, to the family-run Hautapu Pine in Taihape, to the creative team at Honest Wolf in Hunterville, it was a fantastic showcase of our region.
On the fourth of our Rangitīkei highlights we thank…
Robyn Duncan for her incredible contribution to our communities
After many years of remarkable service, Robyn Duncan is retiring from her role as Centre Manager at Manchester House Social Services. Robyn’s leadership and compassion have made a lasting difference for countless people.
Robyn’s dedication to youth programmes and education, recognised through her appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, is truly outstanding. Thank you, Robyn, for your tireless commitment and all the very best for the next chapter.
On the fifth of our Rangitīkei highlights we applaud…
Patrick Coogan, my outstanding Youth MP for 2025
It was a privilege to support Patrick at Youth Parliament in Wellington in July. Held every three years, Youth Parliament gives young New Zealanders a real taste of how democracy works and the chance to have their voices heard.
Patrick delivered an outstanding speech in the House on the impacts of carbon farming on our primary industries and rural communities. An outstanding Youth MP, Patrick did us all proud.
On the sixth of our Rangitīkei highlights we acknowledge…
The upcoming electorate boundary changes
In August, the Electoral Commission confirmed new boundaries for the 2026 General Election, bringing significant changes for Rangitīkei – with parts of the north moving out of the electorate and new areas in Horowhenua joining us in the south. While the lines on the map may change, Rangitīkei will continue to embody the spirit of heartland provincial and rural New Zealand.
Map above shows the new Rangitīkei electorate boundary on the left and the existing boundary on the right.
On the seventh of our Rangitīkei highlights we honour…
Ian McKelvie’s King’s Birthday recognition
Earlier this year my mentor, friend and former boss Ian McKelvie was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). It’s outstanding and well-deserved recognition for Ian – and Sue’s – decades of service and commitment to our communities.
It was a privilege to be at Government House in September to see Ian receive his award, along with other remarkable locals, Peter Nation ONZM and Alan Troon KSM.
On the eighth of our Rangitīkei highlights we celebrate…
Work beginning on the Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Highway
In September, work officially began on the Ō2NL Highway – the road to Rangitīkei! It was fantastic to be in Manakau with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister of Transport Chris Bishop, MP for Ōtaki Tim Costley, Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden and local champion Nathan Guy to mark this important milestone.
The Ō2NL project will deliver faster, safer and more reliable travel through the heart of Horowhenua – strengthening connections and creating new opportunities.
On the ninth of our Rangitīkei highlights we welcome…
New mobile towers bringing better connectivity across Rangitīkei
In early October Minister for Media and Communications, Hon Paul Goldsmith had outstanding news for Rangitīkei and Ruapehu – six new mobile towers are live! These towers are improving coverage for our communities and roads and ensuring reliable access to the 111-emergency network for everyone. They include a new 5G tower in Marton now delivering coverage to nearly 98.8% of the town.
I’ve been pushing hard for stronger rural connectivity for a long time, so it’s great to see this progress. There is still more to do...!
On the tenth of our Rangitīkei highlights we recognise…
Major boosts for Defence
April brought outstanding news for Defence, with Minister of Defence, Hon Judith Collins, announcing a $12 billion plan to build a modern, combat-capable NZDF. Great news for the mighty Rangitīkei – home to Ohakea Air Force Base, and until the electorate boundary changes take effect, home to Waiouru and Linton Military Camps.
In August I joined the Minister at Ohakea for the opening of the impressive new P-8A Poseidon Hangar – Te Whare Toroa. This facility supports our new P8 fleet, which have a vital role to play in maritime surveillance, resource protection and disaster response.
On the eleventh of our Rangitīkei highlights we welcome…
Boosts to health across our region
In July, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a $12.7 million investment for a new modular CT unit at Palmerston North Hospital – a project that will double scanning capacity and improve access to diagnostic services across our region.
Our Government is also backing rural doctors, supporting the new Waikato Medical School, and delivering vital national improvements – including new funding for cancer drugs and expanded bowel and breast screening programmes.
On the twelfth of our Rangitīkei highlights we celebrate…
Strong progress in education
Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, has led strong progress in education this year. We’ve seen real gains through a knowledge-rich curriculum, better attendance, enhanced teacher training, stronger learning support, and improved school property delivery – including a funding boost which will benefit 12 Rangitīkei schools from July 2026. The cell phone ban has also been a clear success, helping students stay focused and ready to learn.
It was fantastic to host the Minister at Lytton Street School in September, where she toured classrooms to see ‘structured literacy’ in action and met with local principals who are driving learning in our communities.
Here to Help
My team and I are available to assist you.
Reach us by emailing [email protected] or calling 06 323 7253 (Feilding) or 07 896 8008 (Taumarunui).
Visit us in person at one of our office locations.
Feilding office: 51 Fergusson Street, Feilding - Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Taumarunui office: 1/101 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui - Monday 9:30am to 2:30pm and Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Please note, my offices will close for the holidays on Friday 19 December 2025, reopening on Monday 12 January 2026.
You are welcome to forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch. I appreciate your help staying connected with the community. If you've had this email forwarded on, you can sign up to receive regular updates here.
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