East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick hosts tech-focused National Party visit to electorate

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick (third from left), pictured at screen production training agency Rāngai along with three members of National's unofficial "tech caucus", says it is important to showcase the innovation and opportunities which exist in the electorate.

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick has hosted a group of National Party MPs on a technology and “local innovation” visit to the district.

The unofficial National Party “tech caucus” MPs included Sam Uffindell (Tauranga), Carl Bates (Whanganui) and list MP Nancy Lu who visited Mātai Medical Research Institute, LeaderBrand, Rāngai (a screen production training agency) and Stardust Me (organises memorial flights of people’s ashes into space).

Kirkpatrick said the Government had a focus on technology, led by Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins.

Government MPs wanted to visit the regions to canvas opportunities to boost the economy and “develop an environment that inspires young Kiwis to stay in New Zealand and study, develop new initiatives and businesses and ensure New Zealand leads the way in global entrepreneurship, research and development,” Kirkpatrick said.

The local MP, who is also Parliamentary Private Secretary for Cyclone Recovery, said the visit provided a proud day to show off just some of the incredible work being done in the community.

The MPs went away with plenty to ponder and a deep admiration for the breadth of technology sector innovation here, she said.

“It is critical that we tell people who may be in places of influence, of the great work our region is producing – some global leading in its nature – and take any opportunity to showcase Tairāwhiti.

“I am happy to do just that.

“This was the second tour of about five around different regions and following each one, discussion is generated on what opportunities we saw, how we can support more innovation and what barriers exist that we can influence.”