Maureen Pugh, West Coast-Tasman MP
True democracy does not begin under the Beehive’s roof in Wellington. It starts right here in the valleys of Tasman, across Marlborough’s world-class vineyards, and along Nelson’s stunning coast and mountains.
As your Member of Parliament, I know how lucky we are to live in a region built on hard work, deep roots, and strong community spirit. But I also hear from you regularly about the heavy, compounding pressures you face daily.
Managing a sheep station, a family orchard, or a boutique vineyard takes enough energy without having to worry about complex compliance and rising household and operating costs.
Local government plays a vital role in our everyday lives, from keeping our crucial rural roads safe after winter storms to maintaining the small-town community spaces we all cherish.
However, finding the right balance between funding essential local services and keeping life affordable for our primary producers is a massive team effort. Central and local government need to work hand-in-hand to ease the load on your pockets and your paddocks, ensuring that our vital rural sector is supported, not stifled.
That is why we are completely focused on delivering practical, common-sense solutions to support our rural communities. We are actively cutting through the layers of red tape that have slowed down progress on the land for decades.
First, we are completely replacing the restrictive Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. This crucial change aims to slash compliance costs, deliver sensible, farmer-led freshwater plans, and truly respect property rights.
Furthermore, to give families and businesses financial certainty, we are progressing a rates cap. This legislative tool is designed to support councils in prioritising core services while ensuring local rates remain sustainable for everyone over the long term.
We are opening the door to a much more streamlined system, but true local democracy requires a real partnership—and it starts not in council chambers nor the Beehive. Democracy thrives wherever our community gathers.
Shaping our region’s future happens when you volunteer for the local sports club committee to upgrade the rural rugby grounds, join an arts and culture group to preserve our heritage, or step up to run a local catchment group. These community hubs are the heartbeat of the Top of the South and is where democracy begins.
Please do not leave important, future-defining conversations to someone who has never opened a farm gate. Your perspective is incredibly valuable. Jump on Parliament’s or your local council’s websites to check out open consultations, or put your hand up at the next AGM for your local club or community hall.
By participating actively, we can bring practical experience to the table and ensure the Top of the South continues to thrive and is set up for generations to come.
