Labour list MP Tāmati Coffey moves office next to Rotorua emergency housing motel

Labour list MP Tāmati Coffey moved his office next to an emergency housing motel. Photo / Andrew Warner

Labour list MP Tāmati Coffey has moved his office and is now neighbours with one of Rotorua's biggest emergency housing providers.

Coffey, who lost the Waiariki seat at last year's election, has closed his electorate office on Pukaki St and has opened a new office on Amohau St next to Spa Lodge.

Spa Lodge was the second biggest emergency housing provider in Rotorua in 2020, behind The Grand Treasure.

Coffey said he wanted his office to be more accessible for people.

"After doing a bit of a review of where our office was, we wanted to be in a part of town with high traffic volumes."

He said on that street there was also the main electorate commission office and Rotorua MP Todd McClay's office.

"If anyone has got issues, they can come along and see us."

Being next to the Spa Lodge was important at this time, Coffey said.

Maori Development Associate Minister Nanaia Mahuta, Toni Waaka from Lifewise and Labour list MP Tāmati Coffey at Coffey's office opening last week. Photo / Supplied

"It's good to know your neighbours and I invited them to the opening on Friday last week."

He said the Covid-19 lockdown made it crucial for people to look out for their neighbours and the way he would operate his office would be no different.

"That's what we intend to do while we are down there ... I've invited them to come and talk to me because we will be seeing things first hand."

Spa Lodge owner Emilyn Dubouzet said it would be good to have Coffey's office next door.

"He will be able to see first hand what's going on and you will get the real McCoy."