Update from Rachel Boyack MP

Every person and family in Nelson deserves to live in a warm, dry, affordable home. I am absolutely delighted that Government housing provider Kāinga Ora has announced a further 26 public homes to be built in Stoke on the former Whareama site. This is in addition to 49 new public homes planned for Nelson South, and a further 16 homes to be built on Nile St in Nelson CBD. Our partnerships with community housing providers are also paying off, with 14 homes recently opened by Habitat for Humanity Nelson. The Government has financially supported Habitat for Humanity Nelson through our Progressive Home Ownership scheme, which supports people to purchase their own home.

This week Minister of Health Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall announced a historic agreement that will ensure the predominantly female nursing workforce finally receive the pay they deserve. The Government has added $1.5 billion to an interim pay equity settlement which, if accepted, will see nurses employed by Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ receive additional increases to pay rates and a $15,000 lump sum payment to address backpay issues.

The past few years have seen nurses and our whole health workforce come under enormous pressure due to COVID. The Government’s commitment to our nursing workforce does not end with pay equity, we’re focused on what more we can do to ease the pressure on nurses. This week the Minister also announced an additional 830 nurses to be trained as part of our ongoing efforts to stabilise the work force.

A reminder that most prescriptions became free on 1 July. I’ve heard from pharmacists and Nelson residents that the removal of the $5 prescription fee will make a big difference to those on low incomes, and people who require multiple prescriptions. This change will make healthcare more affordable and will help ease the pressure on our health system.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need assistance from my office. We are here to help.