As we hit December and get closer to the festive season, our caucus are back in Wellington for scrutiny week, before the final sitting block of the year.

The two-year milestone for this government being sworn in has just passed, and New Zealand First continues to achieve more of our coalition commitments and progress policy for New Zealand, and all New Zealanders.

Make sure you head to our website for the full list of updates on our new achievements page.

The New Zealand Government has officially banned puberty blockers for children.

New Zealand First has made sure this government had the courage to do what others wouldn’t: put children’s safety above activist demands.

“And this is about more than just a woke agenda - it is about protecting children, respecting the role of parents, and strengthening Kiwi families”. – Casey Costello

Minister of Rail, Rt Hon Winston Peters, announced $2.3 billion saved as he secured two new Cook Strait rail ferries. Read the full update HERE.

New Zealand First introduced a Member's Bill to ban public sales of fireworks.

After listening to the concerns of so many Kiwis, we have come to a point in this country where we seriously need to have this conversation, and New Zealand First is taking the lead.

“The taxpayer should not be spending millions on something that drastically impacts pets, causes the inevitable fires, and causes havoc for our emergency services. Enough is enough.” – Winston Peters

WINSTON PETERS

Launched the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in association with the Salvation Army.

Continued our engagement with stakeholders and Kiwis over the Gene Tech Bill.

Rounded out the month with another bout overseas as Foreign Affairs Minister, visiting Viet Nam, China, Thailand and Cambodia:

• Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Nguyen Chi Dung and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung. Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Viet Nam and the launch of a Plan of Action, which will guide our cooperation over the next five years.
• He then flew to China where he attended a contract signing ceremony for New Zealand’s new Interislander ferries - hosted by Peng Yuanpu, Vice President of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, and Zhou Xuhui, President of Guangzhou Shipyard International.
• Hong Kong Jockey Club, a major partner of the horse racing industry - one of the largest suppliers of horses, trainers & vets.
• Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House in Bangkok. And then met Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, signing the Plan of Action, outlining areas of enhanced cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand.
• Met with Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, and Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Minister, Dith Tina. Cambodia showed support for New Zealand’s enhanced relationship with ASEAN as well as New Zealand’s stepped up development cooperation with Cambodia, including in the areas of agriculture, horticulture & education.

“Southeast Asia contributes significantly to New Zealanders’ prosperity and security, and we are doing all we can to maximise our mutually beneficial connections." – Winston Peters

Hear some of Winston’s recent interviews below:

• 'Enough is enough': NZ First puts forward bill to ban sale of fireworks
• “Winston Peters: Why Back a Corporate Bill Over Kiwi Rights?”
• Peters rejects claims of a crumbling coalition after flipping stance on Regulatory Standards Act

SHANE JONES

• Got out into the regions to spread the gospel of growth. 
• Shane Jones: I'm for mining and jobs not climate doom mongers and elitist oozing naysayers
• Celebrated the Government’s announcement to overhaul regional councils.
• Marked the final completion of the Opotiki Harbour development, originally funded by New Zealand First’s Provincial Growth Fund.
• Denounced more anti-growth dribble coming from the left.
• Shane Jones: Will the Māori Party have a Snoop Dogg moment or a Taylor Swift moment?

Hear some of Shane’s recent interviews below:

• Shane Jones On Mining Lobbyists & Fishing Critics
• Shane Jones: 30-Year Green light for Central Otago gold mine

CASEY COSTELLO

• Released the new ‘Better Later Life Action Plan’ to deliver practical support for older New Zealanders focusing of what matters most: staying well, independent, and socially connected. Read more HERE.
• Joined Rt Hon Winston Peters to meet with the Retirement Village Resident’s Association.
• Was in the community meeting with stakeholders from Auckland to Southland and across to New Plymouth.
• Hosted the presentation of the Hato Hone St John Annual Report in Wellington.
• Hosted the National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Aging event to launch the new pledges. 
• Join the New Zealand Police as they hosted the Pacific Detector Dog Programme Graduation.

MARK PATTERSON

• Opened the new $11m Chatham Island Wind Farm energy project.  Hear from Mark on location here.
• Did a three-day tour throughout the Tairawhiti region, visiting some of New Zealand’s most remote rural communities.
• Announced funding for the Jackson Bay wharf with Jenny Marcroft as part of the Westcoast port infrastructure upgrade programme.
• Attended several A&P Shows – make sure you check out Mark's Facebook page to see all the amazing communities he gets to go and visit – every so often he even brings a show ribbon back to Wellington with him!
• A Marlborough trip with fellow MP Jamie Arbuckle.

JENNY MARCROFT

• Made sure Pharmac puts patient voice at the centre of their decision making.
• Joined Hon Shane Jones to celebrate community housing and solar power in Hokianga.
• Joined Jamie Arbuckle in the South Island, including as part of the exciting announcement to upgrade the Jackson’s Bay Wharf on the West Coast.

JAMIE ARBUCKLE, ANDY FOSTER & DAVID WILSON

• David spoke in the house about his favourite topic…. Banks! "Do we seriously believe that the big banks are going to protect Kiwi consumers?"
• Jamie was joined by Jenny Marcroft on the West Coast of the South Island, and was out and about at some of the local A&P shows.
• As spokesperson for Auckland, David was visiting more local stakeholders and community groups in the area. 
• More updates on the Selwyn Hutts community from Andy Foster in the house this month.
• Jamie reflected on two years in government and David did a write up on Labour’s Capital Gains Tax.