With autumn's arrival, I’m sure you're enjoying the slightly cooler weather and the burst of sunshine between the showers!
March was a big month — not just here in Tauranga. In Wellington and around the country, our Government has regained momentum. A successful International Investor Summit, a strong trade delegation to India, and confirmation that New Zealand is out of recession and back into growth — these are all signs of progress. It’s giving Kiwis the confidence they need. I’m proud to be part of Christopher Luxon’s team as we work to deliver real outcomes for New Zealanders.
Closer to home, from ministerial visits and business engagements to cruise ship tours and cricket matches, there’s plenty to update you on. Here’s a look at what I’ve been up to on your behalf.
🏗️ Ministerial Visits: Building Connections
We kicked off the month with a visit from Hon Chris Penk, the Minister for Building and Construction, who was keen to get to work with us in Tauranga. Chris joined us for a members’ morning tea and an industry lunch with local leaders in the construction sector. The discussions were highly productive, centred around how we can accelerate and improve the building process in Tauranga, with strong unity in opinions across the diverse sector. There’s serious work to be done locally between our industry and local government to ensure we build smarter and faster.
We also visited Modhaven, a brilliant Mount-based business creating sustainable building materials. It’s inspiring to see local innovation aimed at tackling both housing needs and climate concerns.
Later in the month, my friend and Bay of Plenty MP, Tom Rutherford and I welcomed Minister of Finance, Hon Nicola Willis — although her plane made a bit of a fashionably late entrance. I stepped in to give a speech on her behalf at a Business Chamber lunch. Once Nicola arrived, we headed out to meet with Trimax Mowing Systems where she hopped aboard a mower — proving she’s ready to cut not just lawns, but government waste too. We wrapped up the visit with a tour of Aerospace in the Mount, a company that’s really taking off.
To round out the month, I joined Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford in welcoming Minister James Meager to Tauranga. We met with Air New Zealand to discuss the future of local aviation and regional connectivity. We also visited the Port of Tauranga to talk through potential development opportunities — including an additional berth to support increased shipping, which could drive both local and national economic growth. These conversations are crucial as we plan for a thriving, well-connected region.
🚢 Cruising Through Tauranga
I had the opportunity to tour Quantum of the Seas during its stop at the Port of Tauranga — one of the largest cruise ships in the world, carrying over 4,000 passengers and more than 1,500 crew. It was an impressive operation to witness and a reminder of just how valuable cruise tourism is to our local economy. These visits bring life to our region and real opportunities for local businesses. Let’s keep making Tauranga a destination worth returning to.
✈️ Down South: Wanaka & Cromwell, Hosted by Miles Anderson
I travelled to Wānaka and Cromwell this month to join local MP Miles Anderson as his visiting Member of Parliament. Together, we met with a range of local associations and businesses. It was a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about the issues facing the region and gather insights to help inform our work in Parliament.
👥 Getting Stuck in Locally
Back on home turf, I’ve been catching up with local businesses and community groups such as Baywide Law, Domett Trucks and Trailers and a Muscular Dystrophy support group – where I met some incredible people who shared their challenges and hopes for better support. I enjoyed a fantastic morning as guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise and taking questions from packed house at Bethlehem Country Club on the Retirement Villages Act review.
📜 Equal Voting Rights Bill into The Biscuit Tin!
In Parliament, I’ve submitted the Equal Voting Rights Bill into the infamous Biscuit Tin— a proposal that seeks to ensure every New Zealander’s vote counts equally, no matter who they are or where they live. This is something I feel strongly about, particularly as some councils, including Tauranga City Council, explore alternative voting models that many locals have voiced concerns about. While the bill has sparked a range of responses, my role is to represent the views of our community. I remain committed to respectful and open dialogue with all groups, but I firmly believe in protecting the principle of equal suffrage — one person, one vote.
🏇 Annual Tauranga Races Event
We also held our annual Tauranga Races Event in March, where more than 100 people came together for the Bayleys International Raceday. It was a fantastic day out and a great reminder of how vibrant our community is. Huge thanks to Dot Forbes and the entire executive team for pulling it all together.
🏏 Parliamentary Cricket Debut
I made my debut for the Parliamentary Cricket Team v Kaimai XI in Matapihi. Cricket was my first love so it was great to be out there again (although the old body thought it was twenty years old and I spent the next three days complaining!). I managed to top score but unfortunately the Kaimai XI were too strong, but it was a brilliant day out and I am all the happier for it.
📣 Branch & Electorate AGMs
Thank you to everyone who attended our Branch and Electorate AGMs during March. I want to pay special tribute to Dave Bridgens, who has stepped down as Electorate Chairperson after more than 25 years of service to the National Party and to Tauranga. Dave is a great friend and has made a lasting impact — thank you, Dave (and Bernadette) for everything.
We now welcome Donna Hemsley as our new Electorate Chairperson. Donna brings great energy to the role and I know she’ll be a strong leader as we head towards the next election, supported by a top-notch Executive Committee and our dedicated Branch Chairs.
🗺️ Boundary Changes
The Electoral Commission has released provisional boundary changes for the next parliamentary term. While I’m sad to farewell Mount Maunganui, I’m excited to welcome Te Puna, Poike and Windermere into the Tauranga Electorate. These are dynamic and growing communities, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know the people and working alongside them. The boundaries won’t be finalised until August, so I’ll be keeping a close watch on the next steps.
Monthly Coffee Catchups
Calling all businesses!
I'd love to get out into our community and meet with more of the businesses in Tauranga. It's important that I hear directly from you about the biggest issues facing your business - or to help celebrate your successes with others.
Get in touch with my team - it's easy 07 577 0923 or email sam.uffindell@parliament.govt.nz
Thank you for taking the time to read my update. If you’re eager to make a meaningful contribution and support our vision for a better future, I invite you to join the National Party. As a member, you’ll not only have a voice in shaping our policies but also gain access to exclusive member events and opportunities to participate in party activities. Together, we can work towards creating positive change in our community.
To get started, simply email us at tauranga@national.org.nz and we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a member.
Sam Uffindell
MP for Tauranga