National MP and spokesperson for economic and regional development and immigration Simon Bridges visited Hawke's Bay yesterday to hear from the business community and the CHB District Council about the issues facing the region.
Accompanied by Tukituki National MP Lawrence Yule and Wairarapa National MP Alastair Scott the first stop was a Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting in Napier.
Mr Bridges said it was good to get the local business views on the Government's recently announced employment law changes and immigration policies.
"There's a clear view from businesses, ranging from ICT to the wine industry, that they are anxious. The changes are uncertain and they do not want there to be a handbrake on growth - it's been an exciting time in Hawke's Bay."
They then went on talk to the Central Hawke's Bay District Council, which he said was facing some complex issues, such as problems with its wastewater treatment plants, which had not been functioning to expectations and would cost millions of dollars to fix.