Todd Talks By Todd Muller

From time to time we get a reminder of the very good things that are happening in our community. For me, this came with two powerful community engagements last week. Both reflected the power of leadership within our community.

Last Friday I shared a stage with Waiariki MP and Minister Te Ururoa Flavell, Sally Webb from the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tawharangi Nuku from Ngati Ranginui and Wyatt Creech from Healthcare NZ.

We celebrated a first in New Zealand. Launching the BoP Health Alliance -Te Whakareia, between the local iwi health providers and established Healthcare NZ – both supported by BOPDHB.

The purpose is to give our seniors more choice with their in-home care providers. What's unique is it combines the local whanau centric care with the established scale operator with 20-plus years of care provision. It's the best of both worlds, and reflects in no small measure the future of NZ.

The following day I helped Oropi stalwart Richard Somerfield open the Oropi Hall. This is a phenomenal local facility, built through the efforts of Richard and the hall committee. TECT and the Lotteries Commission were on-board as well and hundreds of locals offering selfless support. The years of effort were applauded by the large and grateful Oropi audience.

Both events have community at their heart. Both gave me deep confidence we really do live in a great place surrounded by great people.