Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Hon Tony Ryall and I recently handed over a cheque for nearly $54,000 from the government to the Trustpower TECT Helicopter Trust.

As you'll probably know, this air ambulance service operates in our immediate region and beyond – saving peoples' lives in emergency situations. The helicopter and its staff are located in behind Tauranga Hospital.
During the years, the Trust has done a great job raising funds for its vital service from community and private funds, including through a lot of sponsorship from Tauranga folk. The Canterbury earthquakes, along with tight economic conditions, have, however, made fundraising much more difficult and the government's contribution is in recognition of this.

Liam Brettkelly, Tony Ryall and Simon Bridges at the TECT TrustPower hangar.

Supporting services
The funding is part of a broader package of $48 million to support the implementation of an Ambulance Services Strategy during the next four years.
Two recent sporting events have proved yet again what a bustling, busy place, Tauranga is. In recent years I have noticed an increasing number of national events being held here and last weekend it was a pleasure to attend a couple of these.

First was the National Sport Climbing competition held by Climbing NZ at The Rockhouse at Mount Maunganui.

The second event was the National Taekwondo Championships held at Memorial Park's Queen Elizabeth II Youth Centre. Special acknowledgement should go to Tauranga taekwondo Master Kesi O'Neill who played a large part in ensuring the competition came to Tauranga. He was specially acknowledged at the end of the two days competition for his work and leadership in the North Island Taekwondo Association.

I really enjoyed watching both the climbing and the taekwondo. Both required far too much coordination for me to be any good at them though and I've decided to stick with running as a hobby instead.

On that note, I really enjoyed participating in the Mount Joggers Half Marathon earlier this month. It is the kind of well-run event of a national standard that I get enthusiastic about.
The weather was good, the course well marked and attended and there were regular drink stations for the 1300-odd participants. I know the event attracted people from all over because the young man I ran with for some of the race had come down from Auckland especially for it.

Sporting events
With a new indoor events centre alongside Baypark Stadium and a new Tauranga Squash Centre in its final construction stages, I am sure we can look forward to many more high-quality sporting events in Tauranga in the months and years to come.