Angie Warren-Clark Labour MP

Childcare is a huge family cost. Our newest policy reverses a freeze on the income threshold for childcare eligibility that National put in place in 2010. These changes kick in from April 1, 2023. Two, 40-hour-per-week working parents on $26 an hour with two kids under five will now be eligible for $252 per week – up from nothing! Working for Families and the Best Start payment boosts also give thousands of parents more choice.

Last week we accompanied our Prime Minister to witness the historic signing of Te Manawataki o Te Papa Trust Deed between the council and manawhenua - Ngai Tamarawaho, Ngati Tapu and Te Materawaho. It was a privilege to be present alongside our PM to recognise this special agreement.

Next we attended Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust – Tauranga Boxing Academy, to hear about how the Government's He Poutama Rangatahi fund is helping our youth to achieve their potential and gain employment. The PM had great chats, answered tough questions and had one young man tell her: ‘When people believe in you, you start to believe in yourself'.

Finally the PM opened the Port of Tauranga Rescue Centre, a real asset for our community. I'm pleased our government was able to invest nearly $3 million into this through the Covid Response and Recovery Fund.

Minister Stuart Nash then attended the Tauranga Waikato University Campus, announcing support for a $1.4million expansion project for scientific diving business Deep Dive Division. Good to see the Government's Regional Strategic Partnership investing in BOP's skilled marine workforce.