Barbara Kuriger

Barbara's Beat No. 22

Barbara Kuriger May 30, 2023 Share

THE PRICE OF JUST LIVING

Peace of mind is in short supply right now.

Recent media reports suggest that 1 in 2 New Zealanders are worrying about money on a daily basis — a deplorable statistic for a country which once had a world-class standard of living.

But it’s not surprising given the ever-spiralling cost of just living right now.
Annual food prices have risen by 12.5%, with fruit and vegetables the biggest drivers, up 22%.

Economic powerhouse to go on show

Barbara Kuriger May 18, 2023 Share

THE importance of New Zealand’s economic powerhouse is due to go on show once again.

The 55^th National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek from June 14-17 is a timely reminder to us all that we are a nation which makes its living by producing food and selling it to the world.

Barbara's Beat No. 21

Barbara Kuriger May 05, 2023 Share

BRING THE COMMON SENSE BACK

I’m grateful to have the support of the National Party in the Taranaki-King Country electorate once again as we head toward the October 14 General Election.

I stood for Parliament in 2014, because I wanted to represent rural and provincial New Zealand and the people of Taranaki-King Country (TKC). That hasn’t changed.

After two terms in Opposition, I’m very keen to get into government, in order to make a real difference to those I represent.

Bring the common sense back

Barbara Kuriger May 01, 2023 Share

I’m grateful to have the support of the National Party in the Taranaki-King Country electorate once again as we head toward the October 14 General Election.

I stood for Parliament in 2014, because I wanted to represent rural and provincial New Zealand and the people of Taranaki-King Country (TKC). That hasn’t changed.

Barbara's Beat No. 20

Barbara Kuriger April 20, 2023 Share

POLICIES AND PRAGMATISM

As 2023 is an election year, policies are naturally at the top of the agenda.

Thanks to the feedback I receive, and our recent round of Taranaki-King Country annual meetings, National supporters are wanting more as we head toward Election Day on October 14.

Should we become the Government, we’ve already announced our five immediate priorities with plans under each, of how these priorities will be achieved.

Priorities and practicalities

Barbara Kuriger April 03, 2023 Share

Taking up a new portfolio in the world of politics means getting up to speed as quickly as possible.

Since January, in between listening to weeks of submissions on two of the bills replacing the Resource Management Act, I’ve been busy as National’s new Spokesperson for Conservation meeting with stakeholders.

This includes groups like Forest and Bird Aotearoa, one of New Zealand’s independent conservation organisations and Fish & Game NZ, which manages, maintains and enhances sports fish and game birds, and their habitats.

Barbara's Beat No.19

Barbara Kuriger March 07, 2023 Share

THANK YOU CHESTER

RIP Chester Borrows — it was such a pleasure to have been your colleague.

Chester, who died on February 27 from cancer, was the National MP for Whanganui from 2005 until he retired in 2017. He also served as Minister for Courts and Deputy Speaker.

A former police officer, detective and lawyer, Chester was renown for his compassion and thoughtful contributions to the work we do as MPs, his support and mentoring of young MPs, and his service to his community.

My very best to his wife Ella, their children Zac, Abi and Katy, and grandchildren Jimmy, Benny and Jonah.

Chester and I at the opening of my Inglewood Office in November 2014.

Horrendous start to 2023

Barbara Kuriger March 07, 2023 Share

If I thought 2022 was a difficult year for families and businesses, it pales in comparison to the start of 2023.

In my first column, I thought I’d be acknowledging a change in Prime Minister, my new portfolio and new Select Committee position.

But that fades into oblivion in the wake of what has happened to those living in the North Island, especially the battered northern and eastern regions.

Te Kuiti Wellbeing Survey Results

Barbara Kuriger February 08, 2023 Share

The Project

In August and September 2022, Barbara Kuriger’s office ran a Needs Assessment survey in Te Kuiti using Huber Social’s Wellbeing Framework. The purpose of the study was to better understand the needs in Te Kuiti and how these relate to individual’s wellbeing.

Barbara's Beat No.18

Barbara Kuriger November 29, 2022 Share

FROM THE SPEAKER'S CHAIR

Last Tuesday afternoon (November 22), I received a call from Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe asking me to take on a temporary Assistant Speaker’s role from as one of the presiding officers was unwell.

Parliament went into urgency that night at 9pm.

I have to admit it was a little scary in the beginning, but the Clerks of the House were absolutely amazing. There was a string of Bills to be considered but the run sheets for all stages of these bills had been prepared in advance.

For those not familiar with the process, the first and second readings of Bills are managed by the Speaker’s chair, before heading to Select Committee stage.

It’s here under the control of a chairperson that any changes can be made, via Supplementary Order Papers, to the Bills before they are passed back into the Speaker’s hands for a third and final reading.

Latest News

THE PRICE OF JUST LIVING

BRING THE COMMON SENSE BACK

POLICIES AND PRAGMATISM

THANK YOU CHESTER

FROM THE SPEAKER'S CHAIR