It's so energising meeting and chatting with Hawke's Bay students and young people. They're determined to capitalise on their potential and make the most of any opportunity that comes their way. I love that winning, bugger-the-odds, determined Kiwi attitude. It's something we should all take on board.
Your political leaders - and yes, I include myself - are responsible for leading the charge and ensuring we're up for the fight as a region, not as a disparate group of bickering communities.
We must think beyond the next electoral cycle and our own political lives. We must think for the long-term benefit of our region. The moment we lock on to long-term goals, providing certainty and giving confidence to our job creators, the short-term decisions become easier.
I'm so tired of the squabbles that spill out on to the front page, that turn people away from participating in our democracy, holding us back. Sure, there's politics and points of views. But really?
Hawke's Bay is such a fantastic place; we all know that, it's why we're here. We have so much going for us - a stunning environment, iconic architecture, successful agriculture and production industries, and a much-envied lifestyle. Are we doing everything we can to build on our strengths?
There is no silver bullet to the social and economic challenges we face, but focused leadership, accountability, long-term vision, goals and amalgamation will make us stronger.
My focus is not on amalgamation for the sake of it, it's not on personality battles or endless arguments over the identity/character/debt/rate/social burden on you. My focus is on creating opportunities and doing all I can to ensure the Bay is the best region in New Zealand to live, work, run a business and raise a family.
I count our mayors as friends and acquaintances. I enjoy our meetings, chats and good-natured wind-ups. We probably agree on 80-90 per cent of the issues raised. I respect their strongly-held views on amalgamation and I am sure they respect mine. I am thinking long term.
Late last year, I floated a series of targets for the Bay, including increasing our GDP to 90+ per cent of the New Zealand average, reducing the crime rate by 15 per cent, increasing job growth and reducing the road toll.
Some of these targets are based on the Government's Better Public Service and Business Growth Agenda targets, which we have been working towards since 2012.
One of these, increasing exports from 30 per cent to 40 per cent by 2025, will have real benefits for the Bay as an exporting region.
The mayors of Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, Central Hawke's Bay and the chairman of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council committed to working towards these targets. So it can be done - we can work together.
Let's step up and begin to deliver for all of Hawke's Bay. It's time.
-Craig Foss is the MP for Tukituki and Small Business Minister.
