Dear John,
The legislation to replace the RMA is close to completion with the third reading of the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act about to take place. This will see one of the most significant pieces of legislation in New Zealand over the past thirty years brought into law. National campaigned hard on replacing the RMA and it has been a major focus of this political term in Government. I’m incredibly proud ōur commitment to replace the RMA is reaching completion before Parliament rises for the election. For too long it has been too hard to consent new activities in our country. The complex RMA was inconsistent and strangled good ideas with red tape. This is a regular concern I hear about from people all over the Waitaki. The new two-Bill system features goals and national instruments setting direction from the top, a narrowing of matters that can be revisited at each successive level of decision-making, more consistent planning rules, fewer consenting requirements, higher thresholds for public participation in consents, and a clearer focus on managing the effects that matter. The new system is projected to boost GDP by $3.1 billion annually, while delivering $13.3 billion in savings over 30 years through reduced administrative and compliance costs. Every year, New Zealand spends $1.6 Billion on consents. That is huge money, and for many people wanting to invest in new operations, changes to their farming practices and so on, the consenting process is often too costly. This has left a lot of great ideas in the too-hard basket. We project that 40 per cent of consents that are required now will not be necessary under our new system. This means projects in infrastructure and energy, farming and primary production, housing, emergency and risk management, and more, can move forward in a sensible, cohesive and progressive manner. This has been lacking in New Zealand and that has been holding our country back. Thank you for your input into this legislation. Whether that be speaking directly with me about what can be improved or submitting in the official process, we have worked hard to incorporate practical and sensible improvements to the legislation throughout its development and progression through the parliamentary process. With this term drawing to an end, I’ve been reflecting on some of the other highlights for the Waitaki Electorate. These include: - $180m uplift in healthcare announced for Otago Central Lakes (Health NZ in the planning phase now), discussions ongoing at all levels, providers, developers, Health NZ, PHO’s, community groups, and individuals. - Moving towards more equitable healthcare in Upper Clutha – Funding for blood collection, some X-Rays and additional services coming now. - Actively advocating for an increase to International Visitor Levy funding for high tourism areas, govt announced this restructure this month with councils now set to receive funding proportionally to their region’s contribution from the IVL. - $79m increase to Wilding Pine funding announced - Advocating to get rates under control – 4% rates cap announced by the Minister in August 2026 - A large amount of work on behalf of farmers, irrigation groups, catchment groups and DOC concession holders – we have had Minister Potaka in the electorate twice, meeting with landowners and leaseholders - 34 individual Immigration cases assisted with, advocacy to the Minister to investigate regional immigration settings for high tourism, low unemployment regions. A notable case was helping a family who had received poor immigration advice reverse $38k of medical bills with the help of St John, Dunstan Hospital and Health NZ. - Highlighting to the Minister that rural areas have some difficulty accessing MSD, leading to a pilot program in Wanaka Community Link for urgent online assisted meetings. I also requested that Upper Clutha Surrounds and Hawea be included in the current Accommodation Supplement review regarding rental pricing. Between all these highlights there is a vast amount of meeting people in our community and discussing their respective situations. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve been up to when I’m not in Wellington for the better part of 30 weeks each year: Electorate meetings held: 892 Issues discussed: ~1200 Major topics discussed: Local Government – 148 Central Gvot & RMA - 132 Healthcare - 117 Education - 116 Infrastructure - 87 Primary Industries - 81 Environment - 68 Who I met: Individual cases - 249 Businesses - 138 Community groups - 114 School visits - 75 NGO's - 73 Council meetings - 55 Meeting locations: Waitaki District - 273 Queenstown Lakes - 155 Central Otago - 115 Mackenzie District - 90 Timaru District - 85 Waimate District - 80 Out of region - 94 (still related to electorate, e.g Timaru, Queenstown, Alexandra)
It has been a pleasure serving you and representing the Waitaki during this term of Government. I look forward to continuing being part of a government that is fixing the basics and building the future for New Zealand. Miles
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