East Coast MP and Conservation Minister Kiri Allen had a busy day in and around Te Puke last Friday.
She met with representatives of Te Puke Economic Development Group, Zespri, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc, Federated Farmers and Western Bay of Plenty mayor Garry Webber. She caught up with local singer Moone to record a quick TikTok video and finished the day meeting three year 10 students currently on the Graeme Dingle Foundation's He Ara Akonga programme.
Kiri used to live in Paengaroa and Te Puke, and part of the district east of Te Puke falls within her constituency. She says days like Friday enable her to "be a loud beating drum" for the area.
"I grew up here. I know these places intimately inside and out, the challenges that we face being disconnected from those larger population centres with the various things that come with those more resourced towns. I genuinely see that my job is to shout from the rooftops about things that impact our people in this place.
"People like me that are sitting in these very privileged positions making decisions for all New Zealanders need to constantly be stepping in the waters and having free and frank yarns like... today."