NZ First - October wrap up
The following is a direct copy of NZ First’s monthly email sent to current members. I haven’t made any edits or changes, but thought some readers here on Substack might find it interesting.
October Highlights from New Zealand First
October marked two years since the 2023 general election, where you returned us back to parliament. And the month certainly wasn’t lacking in more updates on New Zealand First achievements.
The woke ‘Relationship and Sexuality Guidelines’ have been removed from the school curriculum and have been replaced with a curriculum that actually educates, not indoctrinates.
We campaigned on it.
We scrapped the old guidelines.
We replaced them. Promise kept.
We passed our amendments to the Marine and Coastal Area Act.
This has been highly anticipated – make sure you read Casey’s update HERE, or watch her full speech in the house HERE.
We promised to amend the Building Act and the Resource Consent system to make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60m2, requiring only an engineer’s report.
In fact, we over delivered. Our original commitment stated 60m2 but we decided that didn’t go far enough. The dwellings can be up to 70m2.
We took a stand on behalf of New Zealand against Fonterra’s move to sell iconic dairy brands Mainland, Anchor, Kapiti and others to the French firm Lactalis.
“Do not sling mud at our democracy and our legacy, and do not for one minute suggest that only cis white men can succeed. Neither our race or our sexual identity is relevant. We succeed because of the content of our character. We succeed because we stand up, because we show up, and we do the hard work that needs to be done every single day.”
We called out the absurdity of a departing Green MP, in a spectacular speech by Hon Casey Costello. This is one to watch!
We called out the flip flopping of Labour’s Capital Gains Tax policy announcement, right after they announced their rip-off of New Zealand First’s Future Fund policy.
Winston often says that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but it might be time for Labour to come up with something original – or at least understand how their own policy ideas work!
And finally, the Labour leader worked out what a woman is…..
Party Leader Winston Peters hit the headlines when his home was attacked by protestors who decided to distribute his address on a live social media video. The hypocrisy of the Green party’s links with these protestors was not missed.
Hear from Winston in some of his recent interviews:
Labour to campaign on capital gains tax & should we be worried about Russia?
Winston Peters On Martyn Bradbury’s Spit in MPs Food Comments, Protests At His Home
WINSTON PETERS
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has undertaken bilateral visits to the United Kingdom and all five Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper
Spoke at the Oxford Union Debate
Engaged in discussion with other UK Ministers and party Leaders including the Minister for the Indo- Pacific Seema Malhorta, and Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage.
In the Nordic region he:
Met with Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir.
Signed a Double Tax Agreement with Iceland’s Minister of Finance, Daði Már Kristófersson, which strengthens economic ties between our countries by providing greater certainty for businesses.
Visited Nesjavellir Power Station in Iceland with Iceland’s Energy Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson.
Delivered a speech in Stockholm, hosted by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. ‘From Europe to the Indo-Pacific: New Zealand Perspectives on Shared Challenges’
Visited Sweden’s Parliament, where he was invited to observe, and was introduced at, the plenary session of a Nordic Council meeting. (The Nordic Council brings together leaders, Ministers & Parliamentarians from across the region.)
Attended the inaugural Nordic 5-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Stockholm.
SHANE JONES
Attended two major geothermal conferences, the Indigenous Geothermal Symposium and the Geothermal Rising Conference in this US.
Attended the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, promoting New Zealand to the world.
Called out Te Pati Maori… Again.
Announced a $96.8m package to co-fund 32 flood resilience projects across New Zealand.
Spoke to the Aquaculture NZ conference in Nelson.
CASEY COSTELLO
Announced an independent review into reforms to the aged care system to improve quality of care. Listen to her interviews on aged care HERE and HERE.
Announced an additional $12.6 million towards replacing New Zealand’s ageing air ambulance fleet.
Represented New Zealand at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Korea.
Delivered another coalition promise to support Kiwi families, with new mothers to now be offered a minimum of a three-day stay in hospital after giving birth.
Spoke at the 2025 Neighbourhood Support New Zealand Conference.
Attended the Age Concern New Zealand Huia Awards in Wellington
Visited the Royal NZ Police College to catch up with recruit wing 390 who are the Auckland based trainees.
MARK PATTERSON
Had boots on the ground during the recent State of Emergency in Clutha and surrounding districts, impressed by all the efforts of our incredible emergency management and rural support teams. Head to Mark’s Facebook page for all his updates on the situation. Listen to an interview with Mark on the emergency impact HERE.
Was in Whakatane for one of the latest Rural Health Roadshows.
Celebrated another win for wool at his old rugby club! And got to highlight the latest wool news in parliament too.
Celebrated $96m of funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for another 32 flood protection projects throughout New Zealand.
Attend the Massey University Ag/Hort/Enviromental Science Awards.
Read one of Mark’s latest columns HERE.
JENNY MARCROFT
Jenny spoke on the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill, to protect the foundations of our country’s character.
Continued advocating for oyster farmers after yet another sewage spill affected their productivity.
Visited supporters and stakeholders in Palmerston North.
Spoke in the house on the Medicines Amendment Bill, supporting reduced waiting times for medicines to get approved.
Attended the opening of AgriSea’s new seaweed venture, and also addressed the Aotearoa New Zealand Seaweed Association Summit in Nelson.
Spoke on the Hauraki Gulf Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.
Represented the Government at the investiture ceremony at Government House.
Visited stakeholders throughout the Northland area on issues or rural connectivity and projects that were supported by New Zealand First’s Provincial Growth Fund.
JAMIE ARBUCKLE, ANDY FOSTER & DAVID WILSON
Jamie spoke in the house on behalf of New Zealand First to oppose a Member’s Bill from the opposition that seeks to end mining.
Jamie and Andy visited the Selwyn Hutts community for their 130th anniversary.
Jamie attended the Rangiora A&P Show.
David and Jamie accepted a petition at parliament from Positive Money NZ.
Jamie and David visited the Coca-Cola Auckland factory to discuss a Container Return Scheme (CRS).
Jamie met with the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association, and several tourism operators throughout the Taupo and Rotorua area, along with local councillors.
David spoke on the final reading of our granny flat legislation.
Read one of David’s write ups on KiwiSaver and the Super Fund HERE.