I hope your Christmas preparations are going well. I enjoyed seeing many of you who are also my readers, at the Christmas Party at Karaka Bloodstock last weekend. I am very grateful for your attendance there and at our regular monthly meetings over the year. Many thanks to Adrienne and the executive committee for their support running a great programme of events over the last year and for arranging a very festive Christmas party. Once again, this year we had generous hospitality extended to us by Karaka Bloodstock and the caterers.
I am excited to pass on the latest information about our achievements in Parliament before the House rises for Christmas.
In brief then:
- The Govt. Nz App has been released to make it easier and safer for people to access government services and I am backing this in my role as Minister for Digitising Government and Minister for the Public Service.
The new app can now be downloaded on both iOS and android platforms. It provides a secure option for people to access government information and services from their mobile phones. Emergency warnings from trusted sources like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Fire and Emergency will also be on the app.
Participation will always be optional, and people can continue to access government services in a range of ways including hard copy. Our goal is to offer an option that is secure and convenient, while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
- Erica Stanford has just announced a boost to school property budgets and these schools in the Papakura Electorate are in line to receive more funding over the next two years: Beachlands School, Orere school, Papakura Central school, Paparimu school, Redhill school and Rosehill Intermediate. I am very pleased for them, and it will boost educational achievement in the years ahead.
These schools are in the first group of 450 schools that will receive their increased allocations from 1 July 2026. Positive feedback from principals and boards has been received because they can finally plan those day-to-day maintenance tasks like painting buildings, fixing windows and doors and trimming old trees, sooner.
- Time to check your passport expiry date as many will expire soon
It’s easy to renew your passport online. Most people can renew their passport quickly and securely at passports.govt.nz
- New Space Technology – Kiwi Space Activator programme
As Space Minister, I have launched a $1.8 million pilot programme to help Kiwi space companies develop their technologies and realise their potential to make a big impact on the world stage for New Zealand.
The Kiwi Space Activator programme will help more Kiwi businesses and universities progress novel space technology and concepts from the laboratory to the skies, further boosting New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for space innovation.
Capability developed through these innovative projects could feed into a future national space mission, with potential applications for resource management or monitoring illegal fishing, maritime security and ecosystem health among other projects.
The New Zealand Space Agency will administer the pilot programme and up to $600,000 will be offered for each successful project, with a total of $1.8 million available over two years. The pilot will support a minimum of three projects proposed by New Zealand based organisations only.
For more information go to www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/industry-and-innovation/kiwi-space-activator
Applications are open and close on 1 March 2026. For more information on eligibility and how to apply see the New Zealand Space Agency website.
- MCERT is announced
On Tuesday, the Government confirmed the establishment of a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), to support the Government’s ambitious reform agenda in housing, transport, urban development and the environment.
The new Ministry will bring together the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Transport, and local government functions such as those the Department of Internal Affairs administers, into one coherent new agency.
As Public Service Minister, I endorse this new ministry as the best way for the Government to deliver better results for taxpayers on New Zealand’s greatest economic and environmental challenges which are housing affordability, our infrastructure deficit, and adaptation to climate change.
The primary purpose of the new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport is to boost growth and productivity by reducing duplication and complexity, and by creating a simpler and more responsive public service. It will positively impact planning, land use, housing, transport, water and the interface with local Government with advice to be integrated and accountability clear.
So on these positive notes I warmly wish you a festive Merry Christmas, safe relaxing holidays and a very prosperous New Year in 2026,
Judith
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Hon Judith Collins KC
MP for Papakura
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