Dear John,

I expect many of you are attending a Service for ANZAC Day tomorrow 25 April which will be the 111th since the first one in 1916. The Dawn Services across New Zealand and here in the Electorate will begin at 6am as is the tradition we follow.

I have previously noted there was an amendment made to the ANZAC Day Act 1966 in February this year that has made our national day of remembrance a more inclusive commemorative day. It now extends to all who have served in the defence forces or in non-military capacities in all wars or war-like conflicts since World War I. Quite an extensive list of these events is included in the Amendment, which is humbling and sad but appropriate.

I will be attending the 6am Dawn and 9am Civic Services at the Papakura War Memorial and Emma Chatterton will be representing me at the Dawn Service at the Papakura Military Camp. We will also be at the Drury War Memorial for the 11am Service. Lest we Forget.


** A positive for New Zealand’s prosperity - India FTA complete
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It is incredibly positive for New Zealand that legal verification of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed with both countries agreeing to formally sign it next week on 27 April, in New Delhi. This will take place in front of a large contingent of Indian and New Zealand businesses, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

Minister McClay says this is a once-in-a-generation FTA that gives our exporters unprecedented access to India’s 1.4 billion people and their economy which is set to become the third largest in the world.

For example, we will benefit from a Most Favoured Nation clause for wine and services exports worth potentially tens of millions of dollars in extra earnings for New Zealand.

This FTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports and almost 57 per cent of our exports will be duty-free from day one including lamb, wool, coal, leather, most forestry and industrial products. This will increase to 82 per cent when fully implemented.

Infant formula, a kiwifruit quota almost four times our current exports and seafood exports will benefit from the FTA’s tariff cuts as will our kiwifruit, apples, mānuka honey and dairy exports.

Once formally signed, the standard parliamentary process, allowing Parliament and the public to scrutinise the FTA through the Select Committee, will be triggered. The FTA text and National lnterest Analysis will be tabled in Parliament the day after signing and referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC).

Following their examination, enabling legislation will be introduced and will follow the usual legislative process. This is consistent with the process followed for the TPP, CPTPP, and agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union and United Arab Emirates.

Along with the business and services sectors, the primary sector and many New Zealanders, I applaud this tremendous trade negotiation success with India which will boost New Zealand’s prosperity and benefit generations to come.


** Fuel prices give rise to targeted support
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Families across the country are feeling the pressure of rising fuel costs on household budgets. For rural, isolated, and small communities, these pressures are even greater.

In response the Government has announced immediate, targeted support for rural school communities, as part of its wider response to the fuel crisis.

In consultation with eligible schools, the Ministry of Education will fund investment in the replacement of diesel boilers, and temporarily increase relief teacher milage rates for small, rural, and isolated schools because they have fewer options to absorb rising transport and heating costs. The investment in new boilers, estimated at $37million, will see 600,000 fewer litres of diesel used every year.

These measures follow the Government’s temporary, timely and targeted approach to the fuel crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.

Education remains a top priority for National, even in challenging times, we remain committed to raising student achievement, lifting attendance, and building the skills and capability our economy needs for the long term.

All the best for your ANZAC Day 2026,

Judith

Hon Judith Collins KC

MP for Papakura
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