Dear John

In this issue:

• Minister's News

• In the House

• Electorate News

• Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Minister's News

Employment Stats

Stats NZ figures out last week show an extra 15,000 people got jobs in the last three months of 2025, and hours worked increased.

Treasury forecast a 5.5 per cent unemployment rate in its December Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update, and figures show the rate is slightly below that at 5.4 per cent (a 0.1 per cent increase in the quarter).

The number of young people not in education, training or employment declined from 13.7 to 13.2 per cent in the same quarter.

Economists predict the unemployment rate will fall this year as the economy recovers.

International Surf Competition

Raglan is hosting the country's biggest-ever elite surfing event from 15–25 May 2026 – the World Surf League (WSL) New Zealand Pro Championship Tour.

It is one of twelve international locations on the tour.

Our Government’s Events Attraction Package is about bringing high-value major international events to New Zealand and showcasing it as a world-class destination for culture, sport and entertainment. The event will be broadcast globally.

International visitors support our hospitality and tourism businesses, creating more jobs and boosting the economy for a brighter future.

$3.69m Regional Tourism Boost

I recently announced a $3.69m investment in five campaigns to boost autumn and early winter tourism across the country. Two examples are the One Flight campaign and the Great Rides campaign.

One Flight Campaign

A $450,000 investment will help fund a new international tourism campaign to boost the Waikato economy this autumn.

Regional Tourism Organisation Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will lead a collaboration with Destination Great Lake Taupō, Visit Ruapehu, and Venture Taranaki to deliver the One Flight campaign to attract international visitors, particularly from Australia, to experience the heart of the North Island during the cooler months via direct flights to Hamilton Airport.

Travel deals and themed itineraries will focus activities like cycling the Waikato River Trails, exploring the Hobbiton Movie Set, marvelling at the glowworm caves of Waitomo and visiting the Len Lye centre in New Plymouth.

Great Rides

A $600,000 cycling initiative, led by Destination Great Lake Taupō, will encourage more Australian holidaymakers to experience New Zealand’s Great Rides, as well as shorter rides like the 380km Supervolcanic Trail Network.

In the House

Prime Minister's State of the Nation Speech

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently delivered a state-of-the-nation speech. National will continue delivering on our plan to fix the basics and build a future where Kiwis get ahead. You can read the speech here, or watch it here.

Electorate News

Taupō-nui-a-Tia College Fire

Sunday's fire at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College which destroyed an entire block (including 12 teaching spaces) is devasting for the 1200 students, staff, and the school community.

The site has been secured and asbestos testing is underway.

I will work with Principal Ben Claxton and Education Minister Erica Stanford on providing interim classrooms and replacing damaged buildings.

Thank you to the fire crews from Taupō and the wider area who prevented further damage.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Note: Dates are subject to change so please RSVP so we can advise of any changes.

Facebook Live

You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you (usually) on the second Tuesday of each month. 

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 8 p.m. and type your questions or comments.

You can watch the last Facebook Live here.

Friendly Forums

Taupō

Friday, 6 March, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō

Please call 07 376 5563 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

Cambridge

Friday, 13 March, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cambridge Town Hall

Please call 07 827 5572 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

Coffee Catch Ups

Join me for coffee and share your priorities for the electorate or New Zealand. I'm happy to answer your questions.

Cambridge:

Friday, 13 February, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Suburban Kitchen, 25A Robinson Street, Cambridge

South Waikato:

Wednesday, 25 February, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Robert Harris Cafe, 284–294 Main Road, Tokoroa

Taupō:

Thursday, 26 February, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Cafe Lacus, 650 Lake Terrace, Taupō

Clinics

Cambridge Clinic:

Friday, 13 February, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Please call 07 827 5572 or email [email protected] for an appointment.

South Waikato Clinic – Tokoroa:

Wednesday, 25 February, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Please call 07 886 5554 or email [email protected] for an appointment.

Taupō Clinic:

Thursday, 26 February, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Please call 07 376 5563 or email [email protected] for an appointment.

Electorate Assistance

Cambridge Office:

Please call 07 827 5572 or email [email protected]

South Waikato:

Please call 07 886 5554 or email [email protected]

Taupō Office:

Please call 07 376 5563 or email [email protected]

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Kind regards

Louise Upston
https://www.national.org.nz/

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