I enjoyed some great events and met some inspirational people locally, in Wellington and around New Zealand in July. It’s a privilege to represent the constituents of Tauranga and advocate for our city at Parliament.
It’s always rewarding for me to connect with those in our community who do so much for others in need of help. I keep in regular contact with social agencies and support networks and I appreciated meeting with staff and volunteers at SupportNet, The Salvation Army, Rotary and Waipuna Hospice. Being able to connect with those at the forefront of care in the community helps me and my team support constituents in need.
Feedback I’m receiving in my office lately includes calls about city parking, an issue that people living in, working in and visiting Tauranga suggest is being mishandled by TCC. I’m aware of how difficult it is for local businesses and residents to resolve parking for customers, visitors and themselves and I’ll be including this topic in my next catchup with Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
Toll roads are a key issue locally – Tauranga has two thirds of New Zealand’s toll roads. While we don’t love paying to take the fastest route to our destination, tolls do make it possible for excellent roads to be developed, and tolls only ever apply on routes where there is a choice between free and paid transit. NZTA is currently accepting submissions on the tolling situation on the TEL and you can have your say here: Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
We’ve been hearing questions about electorate boundaries too. Changes to New Zealand’s Central Government electoral boundaries have recently been announced. Our Tauranga electorate will welcome Te Puna, Minden, Wairoa, the Kaimais, Tauriko West and more of The Lakes and Pyes Pa. I’m really looking forward to representing these wonderful areas and getting to know the people that call these communities home. Mount Maunganui will no longer be part of the Tauranga electorate. While it’s with a heavy heart that we see her go, rest assured she’ll be under the strong stewardship of Tom Rutherford MP in the newly renamed Mount Maunganui electorate. Click here to see the new Tauranga electorate boundaries.
Below are some of my July highlights. I’m looking forward to seeing you out and about in Tauranga over the coming weeks. Connect with my team at the 14 Grey Street office if you need my help navigating red tape, government agencies or regional issues. (Details here). We’re available for visitors Monday to Friday 10-4 or you can make an appointment with me by calling 07 577 0923 or email taurangamp@parliament.govt.nz
Bay Paediatrics opening
It was a privilege to attend the opening of Bay Paediatrics on Elizabeth Street (baypaediatrics.com) and celebrate this important milestone. The clinic is a leading New Zealand provider specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.
Founded by Freddie Bennett and Dr Sarah Moll, Bay Paediatrics is already making a meaningful difference for families by offering expert support in areas like emotional regulation, school challenges, sleep, anxiety, confidence-building, and more. Their commitment to comprehensive, evidence-based diagnosis and care empowers families with clarity and confidence.
We were also pleased to be joined by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey MP to mark the occasion and acknowledge the vital role clinics like Bay Paediatrics play in improving mental health outcomes for our young people.
Perinatal Mental Health Support for new parents
Parliament recently hosted PADA – Parental Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa – to raise awareness of perinatal mental health.
Thank you to Amy Castle from PADA and Hon Matt Doocey for helping shine a light on this critical issue, and to the courageous individuals who shared their lived experiences. The event highlighted the urgent need for improved, specialised perinatal mental health services, including support for conditions such as OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. There is growing recognition in Parliament that antenatal and postnatal mental health challenges are widespread and deserve serious investment. PADA continues to advocate for compassionate, culturally safe, and accessible care for all parents across New Zealand.
Craig's Women’s Wealth Event
A fantastic day at the Craig’s Women’s Wealth event in Tauranga with our PM Christopher Luxon and Tom Rutherford MP for Bay of Plenty. this event brought together women from across the Bay of Plenty for a morning of financial empowerment, education, and open conversation about investing and wealth management. Hosted by Craigs Investment Partners, the session focused on the unique challenges and opportunities women face when it comes to financial planning and was an excellent opportunity to learn more about our Prime Minister, his background and family.
BOP Steamers Local Rugby Calendar
The Bay of Plenty Steamers are fired up for the 2025 Bunnings NPC season, kicking off their campaign against the Tasman Mako on August 3 at Tauranga Domain. After a heartbreaking 96th-minute loss to Wellington in last year’s final, head coach Richard Watt says the team is “hungry” to return and go one better.
This season, Tauranga will host three more home games: August 16 vs Canterbury, September 13 vs Hawke's Bay and September 28 vs Waikato– one more than previous years, while Rotorua gets one. Watt says close home crowds at the Domain give the players a real edge, and with full houses seen last season, he hopes the Bay community will once again rally behind the team as they push for redemption. I’m looking forward to attending home matches this season.
Investment for Tauranga Hospital
Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown announced the opening of a new cardiac catheterisation lab at Tauranga Hospital, boosting access to heart care across the region. The new lab replaces the original suite and joins an existing facility, doubling the hospital’s capacity for procedures like angiography, stenting, and pacemaker insertions. Patients from Tauranga, Taupō, Rotorua, and nearby areas can now receive advanced treatment locally, without needing to travel to Auckland or Waikato. The lab features modern imaging technology that improves accuracy and safety. It currently runs five sessions a week, with plans to expand to ten, increasing total weekly sessions from 15 to 20. This upgrade strengthens Tauranga’s role in regional healthcare and supports better outcomes for patients.
Trimax Mowers
Congratulations to Michael Sievwright, Chief Executive of Trimax Mowing Systems, and his team, on being named Exporter of the Year at the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards.
Under Michael’s leadership, Trimax has grown from its Kiwi roots into a global force, delivering high-performance mowing solutions trusted by professionals at prestigious sites like Windsor Castle and PGA golf courses. This award is a testament to Michael’s strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and the tireless efforts of the entire Trimax team. Well done on this outstanding achievement!
Surf Therapy at Shark Alley
Live for More [link https://liveformore.org.nz/] is a charitable trust based in Mount Maunganui that helps young men in Tauranga overcome challenges such as addiction, crime, and trauma through surf therapy. Their main programme, Tai Wātea (Waves of Freedom), is a nine-week course that combines surfing with group therapy, one-on-one counselling, life navigation skills, and cultural learning including haka and pepeha. Surfing offers a powerful outlet for emotional release and personal growth, helping participants build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Many graduates describe the programme as life-changing, often finding new purpose and healthier lifestyles. Live for More also runs follow-up programmes like Tai Whakaora (Waves of Healing) and Tai Tautoko (Waves of Support), providing continued care and connection as participants move forward in their healing journey. Check out the surf video here.
Healthcare sector boost
A new medical school focused on primary care and rural health will open at Waikato University in 2028, training 120 doctors annually to serve communities in need. The government is investing $82.85 million, with over $150 million from the university and philanthropists, to support curriculum development, teaching and lab facilities, accommodation, community hubs, and clinical training infrastructure. The school aims to create a clear pathway into general practice and regional care for students.
Monthly Coffee Catch-up at Le Chat Noir
We held another monthly drop-in at Le Chat Noir in Greerton. These are casual opportunities for locals to share ideas, raise concerns or just have a chat. I will be there on the first Monday of each month, from 12–1:30pm*, and I welcome you to join me at the next one.
*Excluding Public Holidays
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.
August is already shaping up to be another month of strong progress.
I’m looking forward to connecting with more of you, hearing what matters most and continuing to work hard for our city.
As always, a heartfelt thank you to the people of Tauranga who are out there every day building a good life for themselves and their families. To our local National Party members – your dedication on the ground makes all the difference. I’m truly grateful for your support.
Sam Uffindell | MP for Tauranga
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