Dear John

In this issue:

* Minister's News

* In the House

* Electorate News

* Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

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MINISTER'S NEWS


DISABILITY STRATEGY CONSULTATION

A draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030 has been released for
consultation.

The draft strategy was developed by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha
in targeted consultation with disabled people and support organisations. It sets
out a vision for the future, with a clear set of goals, and actions to help
improve the lives and uphold the rights of disabled people who face many
barriers, especially in key areas of education, employment, health, housing and
justice.

You can have your say about the strategy in multiple ways. Click here
[link removed]
for details.

Submissions can be made up until Sunday 28 September.


WORLD TRIATHLON

New Zealand will host a series of major international triathlon events in
Tauranga over the next three years, beginning with the World Triathlon World Cup
next year, and culminating in the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals.

The events are expected to bring 6000 international visitors to our shores, who
will spend an estimated $25 million and provide a great boost to our economy.


MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Last year I launched Government's Child and Youth Strategy. Supporting children
and their families in the first 2000 days of a child's life is our number one
priority.

A quarter of New Zealand mothers suffer post-natal depression, and our maternal
suicide rate is seven times higher than the United Kingdom's. Minister for
Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced a $4.9 million boost for maternal mental
health in four regions, including the Waikato. I look forward to it making a
difference to our mums and babies.

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IN THE HOUSE


INTEREST RATES DROP FURTHER

Interest rates have already begun dropping in the wake of the Reserve Bank
cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 3% last month (the
lowest level in three years) showing our responsible economic management is
making a difference.

The falling OCR means repayments on a 25-year $500,000 floating mortgage, for
example, are about $330 less a fortnight today than they were a year ago.

Lower interest rates support businesses to expand and grow, support increased
construction activity, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

The Reserve Bank has signalled two further reductions this year.


SUPERMARKET COMPETITION

As part of Government's plan to grow the economy and help Kiwis get ahead by
creating competitive business settings, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis
has announced upcoming changes to improve supermarket competition, including:

·      Removing barriers like restrictive zoning, slow consenting, and
cumbersome regulations to help new competitors into the market and increase
competition in the supermarket sector, to deliver better prices and more choice
for shoppers.

·      Passing legislation (by January) to make it clear that new supermarkets
which would improve grocery competition regionally or nationally will qualify as
fast-track referrable projects under the Fast-Track Approvals Act.

·      Amending the Commerce Act to better combat “predatory pricing” with the
introduction of an objective economic test for the prosecution of firms misusing
their market power to exclude or stamp-out competitors.

We want to encourage more players into the market to increase competition and
drive prices down.


MORE AFFORDABLE ENERGY

Similarly, Energy Minister Simon Watts is looking to increase competition in the
electricity sector as a mechanism for keeping energy prices as low as possible
for consumers struggling with the cost of living.

Currently, large power companies (as both energy producers and sellers) can
cross-subsidise themselves by offering themselves discounts. Government has
introduced a new rule which means they have to offer their generation at the
same rate to everyone (including themselves), allowing smaller companies to
compete on a level playing field, and giving consumers more choice.

These changes will encourage investment in new generation and provide more
reliable and affordable electricity.


BANKING COMPETITION

The Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition
which focussed on business and rural banking as well as lending to Māori
entities was released recently.

Its findings will support the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve
competition in the banking sector and ensure more effective and efficient
services are available to Kiwis.


REPLACING NCEA

Government is working with industry to develop better vocational pathways and
ensure students are learning relevant skills.

Government is removing NCEA Level 1 and requiring students to take English and
Mathematics at Year 11 and sit a Foundational Skills Award test in numeracy and
literacy.

NCEA Levels 2 and 3 will be replaced by two new qualifications – the New Zealand
Certificate of Education (Year 12) and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of
Education (Year 13).

Students must take at least five subjects and pass at least four to attain each
certificate.

Each subject will have internal and external assessments that add up to a total
of 100 marks, that align with grades A–E.

A new curriculum will be introduced at the beginning of 2026, the Foundational
Skills Award in 2028, and the new certificates in 2029 and 2030 for Years 12 and
13.

Consultation on the proposal is open until 5:00p.m. 15 September 2025, with
final decisions due by the end of this year. You can have your say here
[link removed].


STUDENT WRITING ACTION PLAN

Writing is a critical skill for learning, thinking, and communicating, but only
41 per cent of Year 3 students, 33 per cent of Year 6 students, and just 24 per
cent of Year 8 students are at the expected curriculum benchmark. Worryingly, 61
per cent of Year 8 students are more than a year behind.  

To help students master writing, a Student Writing Action Plan will be
introduced.

From Term 1 of 2026, a new Writing Acceleration Tool will be available to
support 120,000 Years 6–8 students who are below expected writing levels.
Teachers will be trained to use of the new tool and will be able to monitor
student progress in real time and adjust their inputs accordingly.


ROAD USER CHARGES (RUCS) REPLACE FUEL TAX

New Zealand’s 3.5 million light vehicles will soon pay electronic road user
charges (based on weight and distance travelled) instead of the current
70c/litre petrol tax.

Diesel, electric and heavy vehicles already pay RUCs based on distance
travelled.

RUCs contribute to the National Land Transport Fund which pays for the building
of new roads and maintaining existing ones.

Currently, less fuel-efficient cars pay more, and hybrids, for example, pay less
for the same road usage.

The transition will happen in stages, beginning with legislative and regulatory
reform to modernise the current RUC system and enable private sector innovation.


REDUCED GENDER PAY GAP

Last year Government launched the first ever, government-backed gender pay-gap
calculator to help businesses reduce their gender pay gaps.

Recent Stats NZ data shows the gender pay gap has decreased from 8.2 percent in
the June 2024 quarter to 5.2 percent in the June 2025 quarter, the lowest since
the series began in 1998.


PROTECTION FOR DOGS

An amendment to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 will
ban prolonged tethering of dogs from the 25th of this month. Daily, about 10 per
cent of dog-related SPCA calls are responding to prolonged confinement and
tethering of dogs.

Vulnerable dogs, such as puppies and pregnant mothers, can only be tethered in
exceptional cases, such as short periods when a tradesperson or other animals
temporarily access a property where the dog lives. Working dogs, such as farm
dogs, which get regular exercise will not be affected by the new rules.


BACKING REGIONAL AIRLINE CONNECTIVITY

Government is supporting at-risk regional air routes with up to $30m in loans
from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines. Reliable air
transport is critical for connecting people to families, health appointments,
and business appointments, for example, as well as delivering small and
perishable freight.

Cabinet has also approved funding digital upgrades which integrate regional
transport bookings, allowing passengers to book multi-leg journeys which use
regional airlines and Air NZ on the same ticket – known as interlining. This
eliminates the need for manual baggage transfer and separate check-ins.


HAVE YOUR SAY – TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Telecommunications (like the internet and mobile phones) are now almost
essential for modern life in New Zealand.

Fibre, fixed wireless and satellite are replacing copper wire. Our existing
rules are increasingly seen as barriers to innovation and investment instead of
supporting innovation, competition and good services for consumers.

We need to ensure our telecommunications sector regulatory framework
accommodates ongoing technology and market changes.

We are consulting on options for reform. You can have your say
[link removed]
until midnight 25 September 2025.

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ELECTORATE NEWS


KARĀPIRO DAM RE-OPENS

Locals are delighted that the road across the Karāpiro dam has reopened now that
Mercury has finished its three-year $90 million upgrade of the three electricity
generation units at its Karāpiro Hydro Station, replacements for the original
turbine and generator units installed in the 1940s.

The dam's average annual output will increase by 32GWh – enough to power an
extra 4000 average homes – giving it total capacity to power the equivalent of
63,000 average homes a year.

Investment in our electricity generation infrastructure is vital to ensure we
improve our capacity and security of supply.

Upgrades which increase output without having to build new generation (like
extra dams) are a huge plus.




TIME MAGAZINE'S GIRLS OF THE YEAR

Tokoroa student and author Rutendo Shadaya has been chosen by TIME magazine as
one of its inaugural Girls of the Year.

Rutendo was one of ten girls selected worldwide – a truly amazing honour and one
she should be very proud of!

Rutendo began her author's journey at the age of nine when she began writing a
book to give to her friend as a birthday present – evidence of her generosity of
spirit.

Her selection has been reported all over the world in articles and interviews.

Rutendo has been a member of my Youth Advisory Board. I look forward to seeing
where her journey takes her.


LAKE TAUPŌ MANAAKITANGA HUI

I was disappointed to miss the recent Lake Taupō Manaakitanga Hui. It is great
to see tourism operators from around the region (and the Napier i-SITE team)
collaborating on how to create the best visitor experience for everyone's
benefit.

Like you, I'm excited about the season ahead!


CUISINE GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2025

Congratulations to our deserving eateries which have been recognised in the
Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025, particularly Taupō's Embra and The Bistro (which
have been awarded two-hat status) and Brantry Eatery, Plateau Bar & Eatery, and
Hare & Copper (Turangi).


TE WAOTU SCHOOL

Thank you to principal Michael Thompson and staff for hosting me at the lovely
Te Waotu School in the heart of the Waikato last month!

I always enjoy seeing the students so engaged with their learning.




HEART AND LUNG SURGERY WAITLISTS SHRINK

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the number of people waiting for
cardiothoracic (critical heart and lung) treatment in Waikato has fallen from 90
to 27, a 70 per cent reduction. The number waiting longer than four months for
surgery has dropped from 13 to 4.

The region’s strong commitment to preventing surgery cancellations and expanding
surgical capacity has delivered significant reductions in waiting lists. These
outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of local teams, whose focus on
patient care has been essential to this success.

Reducing wait times for elective procedures is a key priority for this
Government. We are investing in our health workforce, validating our waiting
lists, boosting capacity, and working closely with hospitals to make sure
services meet patient needs.

Our health target is clear – by 2030, 95 per cent of patients will be treated
within four months.


CANCER TREATMENT IN TAUPO EXPANDED

Taupo Hospital's chemotherapy and immunotherapy clinic is now providing service
two days per week, allowing more people to access the life-saving medicines they
need close to home.


TE TIRA

Te Tira, a one–stop employment shop focussing on 18–24-year-olds opened in
Tokoroa in the former Impact Hub space recently. Several organisations including
Kiwi Staff, WorkIt, Raukawa, and Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust are onsite to
help you if you're starting your employment journey or making a career change.


SH1 CAMBRIDGE TO PIARERE

Work on the Piarere roundabout is now complete and normal speed limits have
resumed.

In a recent meeting with Transport Minister Chris Bishop, we discussed the
Waikato Expressway extension. It is on track for construction to start late next
year (subject to funding, consents, permits, archaeological authorities,
property acquisition etc.) and is estimated to take 6–7 years to complete.


SH1 CAMBRIDGE SOUTHERN ON/OFF RAMPS

The meeting was also to advocate for the Cambridge community around installing
on/off ramps on SH1 to the south of Cambridge as part of the Cambridge to
Piarere Waikato Expressway extension.

The population of Cambridge has increased more than 33 per cent (from 16800 in
2013 when Waikato Expressway plans were first made, to 22400 in 2024), and the
area is experiencing ongoing high housing and industrial growth. Waipa District
Council modelling shows a northbound on-ramp would be used by 3400 vehicles a
day by 2055.

NZTA considers this does not represent 'significant change’ in demand since
2013. Its position is that Expressways are not intended for local access (e.g.
getting from one part of Cambridge to another) and most movements would be
local.


SH5 AND SH28 ROADWORKS

Work has begun on building a roundabout at the notorious T-intersection of SH5
and SH28 (Harwoods Road) to improve safety. The road has been narrowed by cones.
Take particular care when the site is unattended. The roundabout is expected to
be usable in March 2026.

The road between Whites (SH28) and Harwoods Roads will be widened and wide
centrelines will be added, with work beginning this spring on the Whites Road to
Waimakariri Road section. A 400m section of Whites Road (south of the SH5
intersection) will also rebuilt, and the intersection resurfaced.

NZTA funding has also been allocated to design a roundabout at SH5/SH28 (Whites
Road).


TĪRAU TO WAIOURU (T2W) ROADWORKS

The second season of the State Highway 1 (SH1) Tīrau to Waiouru (T2W)
Accelerated Maintenance Project starts this month.  

During season one, the project rebuilt and repaired 49.4 kms of the worst
sections of SH1 between Piarere (north of Tīrau), and Waiouru, representing the
largest SH1 road maintenance season delivered by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). 

Season two works will include road rebuilding and maintenance in areas not
worked on last season, normal maintenance, and speed and safety works across
T2W, as well as completing final road surfacing of last-season's works.

At completion, the T2W project will have rebuilt 27 percent of SH1 between Tīrau
and Waiouru totalling 66.11kms of the total 220km length.  

Following feedback, for this season, final road surfacing will be completed as
nighttime stop/go or overnight closures, and the Taupō to Tūrangi section will
be completed under contraflow (traffic travelling in both directions with
temporary speed limits) and stop/go traffic management. This season Smart
Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be used between Taupō and Tūrangi to show the
difference in travel times using SH1 or the alternative route.

Road rebuilding has begun on SH1 at Waitahanui. Stop/go traffic management will
be in place for two weeks, followed by temporary speed limits. Following that,
work will begin on the Hatepe passing lanes. Nighttime stop/go management will
be in place Sunday-Thursday nights (7pm to 6am) from mid-September to
mid-October.

Nighttime (7pm to 6am) detours will be in place in Tīrau for a month between
Sundays and Thursdays (beginning 14 September) while the road between the town
and the roundabout is rebuilt, kerb and channel is replaced, and culverts are
repaired. See the detour route below.



For updates about what's happening in your area, sign up to NZTA's newsletter
here [link removed]


TAUPŌ BUSINESS AWARDS



Congratulations to MyStays Ltd, the Overall Business of the Year winner at the
Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards.

The awards are great way to recognise the hard work, innovation, and resilience
of business owners and their staff, and their dedication to serving their
community.


ONE TAUPŌ TRUST

The Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival is organised by One Taupō
Trust [link removed] a charity which provides financial help
to families who need specialist medical care outside the district. To apply for
assistance or make a donation, click here [link removed]


TOI-OHOMAI TASKFORCE

A taskforce (incorporated into Project Phoenix) will be tasked with ensuring
South Waikato retains Toi-Ohomai – a critical education provider for the region.
We are looking at future labour needs of the district and how programmes can
meet the demand from employers and companies looking to grow in the area.


LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 11 OCTOBER

The last day you can enrol to vote in the local government elections is Friday
10 October 2025. If you need to enrol to vote or update your address, contact
your local council’s electoral officer to get your papers. Further information
is available here [link removed]


ATTENDING EVENTS

If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend, please contact
my office well in advance (details below). My calendar fills up quickly!

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UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES


FACEBOOK LIVE

You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the
second Tuesday of each month. Note: this month it will be on the third Tuesday.

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook
[link removed] on Tuesday 16 September 2025 at 8
p.m. and type your questions or comments.

You can watch the last Facebook Live here
[link removed]

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CLINICS AND FRIENDLY FORUMS

Note: Dates are subject to change.


SOUTH WAIKATO CLINIC – TOKOROA

Thursday, 4 September, 2:30–4.00p.m.

Please call 07 8865554 or email [email protected]
[email protected] for an appointment.


CAMBRIDGE FRIENDLY FORUM

Friday, 5 September, 10:00–11.30a.m.

Cambridge Bowling Club, 37 Thornton Rd, Cambridge

Please call 07 8275572 or email [email protected]
[email protected] to RSVP.


TAUPŌ FRIENDLY FORUM

Friday, 17 October, 10:00–11.30a.m.

Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō

Please call 07 3765563 or email [email protected]
[email protected] to RSVP.

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ELECTORATE ASSISTANCE

Cambridge Office:

Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

South Waikato:

Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

Taupō Office:

Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected]
[email protected]

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Louise Upston
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