Parliamentary Recess weeks are very important, as it gives me the chance to spend more time in Tauranga out and about in the community. This is an essential part in helping me represent your views in Parliament and advocate on your behalf while I am in Wellington.
On Wednesday I visited Kiwi Bus Builders in Tauriko to announce a change to the transport rules that will allow for greater capacity vehicles on the road. This means that vehicles such as double decker buses can be used to carry more passengers on public transport routes. Kiwi Bus Builders are a real local success story and have been operating in Tauranga for over 20 years. In the last few years they have tripled their staff numbers, and talking to the team there it seems like the future is looking very bright for them.
This weekend I will be attending the NZCT AIMS GAMES Opening Ceremony. The AIMS GAMES is a great event for the region and it is encouraging to see so many young people getting out and being active. I want to wish good luck to all the competitors and would encourage you to check out some of the action if you can - the next Peter Burling or Moss Burmester could be amongst them!
Speaking of sport, I really enjoyed the BOP vs Waikato game at the Tauranga Domain last Sunday. The Domain definitely offers a unique rugby watching experience, as it is not often you get to be so close up to the action.
Last week public consultation opened on the proposed merger of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and the Waiariki Institute of Technology. The proposal is about combining the best aspects of both organisations and having one institution working to serve the Bay of Plenty and improve the outcomes for students across the region.
