The Coalition Government has released its 33-point ‘to do’ list for the remainder of the year.
Many of the items would of course have impact across New Zealand and not affect Hawke’s Bay differently than other areas. For example:
- Publish the Government’s priorities for Budget 2026 in the Budget Policy Statement.
- Progress legislation to support the timeliness, efficiency, integrity and resilience of the electoral system, and ban prisoner voting.
- Pass the Regulatory Standards Bill.
Some would have more targeted or immediate impact elsewhere, such as taking decisions on the future of the greyhound racing industry, building a new medical school at the University of Waikato, sussing the ferry solution for Cook Strait and passing a Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill.
And others, although of nationwide application, might have special significance to Hawke’s Bay. For example:
Take policy decisions to introduce rate caps. As we complete local election where rates have been a key issue – and with most candidates opposing or strongly cautionary about rates caps – our councils await the Government’s intervention with high anxiety.
Introduce legislation to focus the earthquake prone building system on high-risk buildings. As BayBuzz has already reported, the anticipated changes would remove around 24 buildings from the risk register altogether, with overall HB savings from the reforms estimated at $245 million.
Begin the hospitality sector review. Of course the HB hospitality sector is a significant part of our regional economy and in need of a pick-up. Also on the Q4 list is launching the $50 million Events Attraction fund, although pundits expect centres like Auckland and Queenstown to soak up most of that money.
Introduce new planning legislation to replace the RMA. Hastings and Napier have just completed an exhausting exercise in prioritising areas for urban growth in the Heretaunga core, but there’s more to come in government direction in this space, as well as changes to environmental decision-making.
Here is the full Q4 Action Plan for New Zealand.
