Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

Since becoming a Member of Parliament almost four years ago, I have worked hard to establish an effective link between my local community and central government in Wellington. This is the role of all MPs – to connect with the community, investigate concerns, and take any wider issues to Parliament.

I do this by meeting with people in my office, and also by hosting coffee mornings in a couple of locations around Tauranga every month. This is a great opportunity for the public to come and join in an open conversation.

We discuss anything, from current affairs to NZ First's position on legislation before Parliament, through to local issues. It is always positive and productive to engage with the public face-to-face on any topical issues featuring in the media.

New Zealand First caucus members also come to the area regularly. A recent visit by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones was hugely successful. And at 2pm on September 30, Winston Peters will be making his Leader's Address at the party's annual convention at Tauranga Racecourse. It will be a time to reflect on how far NZ First has come in 25 years and to consider how the future is shaping up. The public are welcome to attend.

I encourage you to join me at one of my local coffee mornings for a cuppa and a lively discussion. They are held the first two Mondays of every month. The next ones will be at St Peters at the Mount at 10am on October 1 and at St Enoch's Hall at 10am on October 8. And of course, I would love to see you at the Leader's Address on September 30.