Dear John

In this issue:

* Minister's News

* In the House

* Electorate News

* Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

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MINISTER'S NEWS


MORE NEW ZEALANDERS MOVING FROM WELFARE INTO WORK

Supporting people into work remains one of my top priorities, and new figures released this month are encouraging.

In the year ending June 2026, 86,544 people moved from a main benefit into employment – an increase of 5,772 compared to the previous year. The latest quarterly figures also showed more people moving off benefit and into work than during the same period last year.

While economic conditions remain challenging, it's positive to see more New Zealanders finding jobs and gaining the independence and opportunities that come with work. Programmes such as MSD's Kōrero Mahi seminars and partnerships with businesses are helping jobseekers connect with employment and build sustainable careers.


TECHNOLOGY IMPROVING LIVES FOR DISABLED NEW ZEALANDERS

Enable team, Palmerston North

I recently announced a new $3.5 million initiative that will provide high-performance power wheelchairs to 100 people living with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy.

The two-year programme will explore how assistive technology can improve independence, participation and quality of life for disabled people and their families. Research from around the world suggests that access to the right equipment can improve wellbeing, increase participation in education and employment, and reduce reliance on carers.

This project reflects our commitment to finding innovative ways to improve outcomes for disabled New Zealanders and ensure support systems are focused on helping people live the lives they choose.


NEW CHILDREN'S COMMISSIONER APPOINTED

I was pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Searle as New Zealand's next Children's Commissioner. Ms Searle brings extensive experience in child protection, having led Child Matters for the past nine years, previously worked as a Police detective in child protection, and served in a range of governance and advisory roles.

The Children's Commissioner plays an important role in advocating for the wellbeing, rights and interests of children and young people. I am confident Jane's knowledge and experience will help ensure the voices of New Zealand's children continue to be heard. Ms Searle will begin her five-year term on 1 August 2026.


IN THE HOUSE


SIX SITTING WEEKS LEFT

It's hard to believe, but there are just six sitting weeks left for Parliament this term, before we head into election season.

The Government is cracking on with its busy work programme built around fixing the basics and building the future for New Zealand. That includes work like RMA reform – replacing the broken Resource Management Act with a new planning system that will make it easier to get things built – while continuing to protect the environment. This change will be a gamechanger for New Zealand's economy and move us away from being a society that says 'no' to one that says 'yes'.

It also includes work in my portfolios, including the Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill, which will help prevent benefit dependency among young people. Through this law, young people aged 18 and 19 will no longer be eligible for Jobseeker payments if their parents can support them. This is a common sense change that shifts the responsibility back where it belongs – with parents, not the taxpayer.


LEADER OF THE HOUSE

I was recently appointed Leader of the House. This RNZ article [link removed] gives you a great idea of what it entails.

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ELECTORATE


FAREWELL DAVID TREWAVAS



It was with great sadness that I learned of former Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas’s passing.

He was Mayor for most of my 18 years as MP for Taupō. We worked together on projects and often attended the same events. He was always friendly and approachable, listened to his constituents, and made thoughtful decisions. His legacy is evident in many developments across the district.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and everyone whose lives he touched, including mine.


COUNCIL AMALGAMATION

Government is mandating Unitary Authorities (which combine local/territorial and regional council functions). They are intended to simplify local government.

Voluntary amalgamation proposals (which include councils amalgamating with at least two other districts), also known as the Head Start Process, need to be with Government before 9 August.

Councils which choose not to be involved in the Head Start process will be mandated via a Backstop process to amalgamate into unitary authorities.

Check your local authority website for updates.


BIRD FLU

Two cases of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) have been detected in New Zealand, but there have been no further cases detected since 17 July 2026. There is no evidence of any mass wildlife deaths, and the disease has not been found in poultry.

It is safe to eat chicken and eggs. Bird flu poses a very low risk to human health.

If you see a group of three or more sick or dead wild birds, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz [link removed]  [link removed]


SH1/SH29 SUBMISSIONS INVITED

NZTA Waka Kotahi is calling for submissions on the proposed removal of the intersection speed zone at Piarere which is no longer required following the construction of the roundabout.

Submissions can made here [link removed] before 5 p.m. on 27 August 2026.


ROADWORKS WAIKATO EXPRESSWAY – CAMBRIDGE

Road crews will be working across both southbound lanes from south of the Tamahere Interchange to the Cambridge West/Velodrome exit until mid-August. The southbound off-ramp at the Cambridge West/Velodrome exit will be closed while this work is completed.

Southbound SH1 traffic accessing Cambridge will need to exit at the Victoria Road Interchange (Hautapu). 

Delays of up to 20 minutes are likely at peak travel times as traffic merges into one lane in each direction. 

In late September, crews will move to the next section. The Cambridge West/Velodrome interchange northbound on-ramp will close while work is completed. 


CAMBRIDGE TO PIARERE UPDATE

Work on the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere Expressway Road of National Significance is expected to begin in early 2027, so asphalting work to widen the Cambridge section near the Southern Interchange will be completed in preparation for this.


AMISFIELD SCHOOL



Last week I visited Amisfield School in Tokoroa. It was great to see the new curriculum in place and all the cool new hands-on equipment they have, especially for maths. Visual and kinesthetic learning helps children better understand and remember concepts.

Government has prioritised teaching the basics with one hour a day each of reading, writing and maths to ensure all children get a kick-start to a world-leading education.


WĀHINE SAFETY CENTRE



It was so inspiring to meet Maria, Courtney and the dedicated team at Wāhine Safety Centre who do phenomenal (and often unseen) work to keep women and children in our community safe and supported. Thank you for all you do.


CHAMBERWORKS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYERS

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce about the great opportunities for employers through ChamberWorks. ChamberWorks is a partnership between chambers of commerce across New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development that offers a simple way to connect businesses with pre-screened job candidates and recruitment support – reducing hiring pressure and building sustainable teams. It's a great way to connect great candidates with employers. The event included employers from across the Waikato region. It's another way the Government is working towards its ambitious goal of 50,000 fewer people on JobSeeker Support by 2030. ChamberWorks is available to all employers, whether they are chamber members or not. For more information on how ChamberWorks can help you and your business, head to chamberworks.nz [link removed]


ST JOHN SERVICE AWARDS

It was a privilege to be invited to present awards at the recent Order of St John Annual Service Awards in Cambridge.

Brent Nielsen (pictured left below) was awarded the gold service medal for an amazing 50 years of service!

Also pictured below is St John youth leader in Cambridge Peter Fox-Worthington who has served his community for 10 years.

Thank you to both of you, and all who serve your communities.

Photo supplied by Michael Jeans, Cambridge

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UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES


COFFEE CATCH UPS, FRIENDLY FORUMS AND CLINICS

It has been great meeting some of you who have attended my recent Coffee Catch Ups, Friendly Forums and Clinics.

Topics like the cost of living, law and order, health, energy security, RMA, roading and traffic have all been discussed. These are all areas we have been working on this term.

See below for more opportunities to meet with me and share your ideas and concerns.

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


COFFEE CATCH UP


CAMBRIDGE

Friday, 7 August, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Reload, 5/15 Campbell Street, Leamington

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


FRIENDLY FORUMS


CAMBRIDGE

Friday, 4 September, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cambridge Bowling Club, 37 Thornton Road, Cambridge

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


TAUPŌ

Friday, 11 September, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō

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


SOUTH WAIKATO

25 September, 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

The Plaza Theatre, 50 Kensington Street, Putaruru

Please call 07 886 5554 or email [email protected] [email protected] to RSVP.


CLINICS


CAMBRIDGE

Friday, 7 August, 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

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


TAUPŌ

Friday, 28 August, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

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

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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
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