Update from Rachel Boyack MP for Nelson

As your local MP, I wanted to make sure you were aware of some of the measures the Government is taking to support you with the cost of living.

Superannuation Increases

If you receive Super or a Veteran’s Pension, then you should have noticed a recent boost in your fortnightly payments. As of 1 April, these payments increased by 7.22%, to match inflation. This means that a single person living alone will now be receiving an extra $66.86 each fortnight, whilst couples aged over 65 are receiving $102.84 more each fortnight. In this time of cost of living pressures, we are ensuring that older New Zealanders incomes don’t go backwards.

Winter Energy Payment

The Winter Energy Payment restarted on 1 May, helping with heating costs through the colder months. Eligible single people receive more than $80 a month, while eligible couples and families receive more than $125 per month. I know this payment has made a real difference for residents here in Nelson, helping them stay warmer and healthier through winter, and I know it has been welcomed again this year.

Prescription Fees

From 1 July, you will no longer need to pay the standard $5 prescription charge at your local pharmacy. This will make medicine cheaper for over three million Kiwis, including the almost 770,000 New Zealanders over 65 who received prescription medicines in the community last year. Removing these fees will also reduce pressure on our health system.

Public Transport Improvements for Nelson

Starting 1 August, Nelson’s bus network will see big improvements to services, with new bus routes running more frequently and to more places. The new bus routes include Brightwater, Wakefield, Motueka and Nelson Airport. Buses will run more frequently between Richmond and Nelson and a new Stoke ‘On Demand’ service will be introduced. The Government has provided extra public transport funding from Waka Kotahi and the Transport Choices package to support both Councils with these new services and improved public transport infrastructure like new bus stops.

Public Transport Fares

The Government is making permanent changes to public transport fares, which will make public transport in Nelson more affordable and accessible for many people.

Children aged 5-12 years old will travel for free, and young people aged 13-24 will have permanent half-price public transport. In addition, those with a community services card and total mobility users will also have permanent half-price public transport fares. To access these new fares please purchase your ‘Bee card’ for $5 from either Nelson City Council or Tasman District Council. With new and more frequent bus routes, and cheaper fares, now is a great time to try using the bus in Nelson!

Nelson Hospital Update

The rebuild of Nelson Hospital is a major priority for me as your local MP, having secured the first piece of funding for the rebuild in Budget 2022. Planning for our new hospital is progressing well, with the final approvals for the project going before the Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Board, then Government Ministers in the next couple of months.

I am also pleased to let you know that funding has been secured to replace the Nelson Hospital coal burner and establish a new energy centre at the hospital. This work is planned to take place during 2024 and will lead to lower emissions from Nelson hospital and improved air quality for the Nelson South community.

Budget 2023

This Budget provides practical cost of living support across some of the core expenses facing New Zealanders – childcare, healthcare, transport and power bills. It will help to make things a bit easier for families, students and older Kiwis by reducing or removing some of the costs they currently face. Budget 2023 also includes a massive boost to our country’s infrastructure which has been tested during the recent flooding and cyclone. That’s why we’ve allocated significant funds to build back better with greater resilience, to protect communities from increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events.

Nelson Market

My team and I are at the Nelson Market every Saturday from 8am1pm, even during the colder weather! Please pop down if you have any questions for me or need support from my office. You can also contact me via my office in Strawbridge Square, Stoke by emailing nelson@parliament.govt.nz or phoning 03 539 0480

Yours faithfully,

Rachel Boyack MP for Nelson