The Golden Age

There has been long-standing recognition that New Zealand First has an unrivalled reputation for delivering for our older New Zealanders. This remains true, and is reflected in our coalition agreement.

While we know there is much that we can and will do in this space, it is important that we shift some fundamentals in how we think about our Seniors.

Firstly, as I travel the country and meeting with communities, I am struck by how much reliance there is on the contribution by older New Zealanders.

Whether it is sports clubs, community groups, charities, churches or social services there is always someone – who is technically ‘retirement age’ - delivering a key function to keep the wheels turning.

Secondly, as I engage with business communities across all sectors, there are many, well passed the pension eligibility age, that continue to not only work but drive our economy forward.

The reality is an increasing number of over-65s continue to work.

It is important that we have a system whereby there remains a choice to retire which is why New Zealand First included the protection of the retirement age in our coalition agreement.

It is equally important that the country is also awakened to the reality that age does not limit potential, value or contribution.

Whatever the field of endeavor - construction, infrastructure, IT, medicine, education, arts, sport, science, manufacturing, hospitality - you will find invaluable contribution by a “senior”.

Finally, we have, in recent years, seen too much narrative that has created a sentiment of resentment suggesting “boomers” are an anchor weighing down our economy.

In reality the absolute opposite is true, and our young New Zealanders have much to learn from our seniors about resilience, accountability, and responsibility.

We started 2025 with clear and strong messages of growth and the commitment to saying yes. There is much more we can do to optimize the quality of life for ALL New Zealanders and a strong economy makes that possible.

This growth, however, will benefit greatly from recognition of what is working well, and from my first year as an MP, what is working well is our hardworking kiwi battlers who happen to be over 65.

The Red Band Cavalry

As we begin a new year, and reflect on 2024, what a difference a year makes. The outlook for our primary sector has improved dramatically. It’s encouraging that most of our major primary exports are having a year of improved returns, some at record highs. 

As a government we have been working hard to play our part with regard to disciplined fiscal management and removal of unnecessary red tape that has been enveloping our farmers and growers. The resultant reductions in inflation and interest rates are the dividends for those efforts.

We are once again seeing Agriculture almost single handedly drag the New Zealand economy out of recession. The remarkable 81% share of New Zealand’s merchandise exports is truly impressive. As always happens in New Zealand, the economic cavalry turned up wearing Red Bands. We as a government could not be more grateful.

As an individual farmer or grower, it is hard to comprehend the scale of New Zealand Agriculture while working away in what is essentially one of thousands of small and medium sized farm businesses. It is events such as Feildays where it all comes together, that the true might and scale of New Zealand Agriculture is on full display.

I’m pleased that the wool sector will have an increased presence this year. There is no doubt that a swing back to natural fibres is underway. Demand and pricing increases are now evident, with the potential to increase much further. Investment is starting to flow and there will be many innovative and potentially game changing new end uses and product lines showcased in 2025. 

Of course, the true magic of the rural sector, highlighted at Fieldays, is the people and the yarns. We should never underestimate the benefits of getting off the farm, having a yarn to mates, learning new things and maybe getting a steak or a beer out of your bank or processing company.

The primary sector is the engine room of New Zealand’s economy and I look forward to championing our hard working rural communities and business throughout this next year, and indeed, as part of Fieldays 2025.

Social media. You either love it or you hate it.

There are pros and cons to everything, and one of the benefits of social media is that it’s another way to hear from Kiwis on what matters to them the most.

What is the problem they want you to solve? Are you speaking their language, and most importantly, do they feel heard by you?

This week in the house I participated in the general debate, touching on several topics that New Zealand First stand very firm on. Namely, freedom, democracy, fairness, safety, equality, which many would say was simply common sense.

You would think that in this great country, these were already a given, however, they are not, and on some days, it feels like a real fight to hold on to the country we know and love. A country called New Zealand.

Upon sharing my speech on social media, those who viewed it gave me their verdict, and they were happy. Some of the topics touched on during my contribution in the house are topics that many don’t want to talk about.

This is where New Zealand First is different. No matter how ‘unpopular’ or controversial an issue is, we will do our utmost to find a solution.

We listen to all New Zealanders, about all their concerns and we will continue to be the voice for those who feel they don’t have a voice.