Tamati Coffey Labour MP

From congratulating Te Arawa Lakes Trust for acquiring Maketu Pies and keeping local jobs in local hands, to local kapa haka success, I'm excited to be the MP for the Waiariki.

I mihi to all kura who competed at Te Mana Kuratahi – you made us all proud.

Not only were reigning national school haka champs Te Kura o Te Teko, from our rohe, 2019's top three were Waiariki-based, including Tauranga Moana's Te Whanau O Te Maro in second!

Congratulations too to Jan Tinetti on her reselection as Labour's Tauranga candidate for 2020. People consistently tell me Jan is in touch with the challenges faced by local families and I tautoko that sentiment 110 per cent.

I'm proud that this Government is working in partnership with incredible people in our community, to put better futures in front of our kids.

We gave funding to Te Tuinga Whānau Support Services Trust, who recently opened tikanga-based remand home 'Whare Tuhua', and Associate Housing Minister, Kris Faafoi opened six houses for local families without a home, run by the amazing team at Accessible Properties.

I especially acknowledge the Trust, for delivering skills that reconnect at-risk young boys with their whānau and mana, so they can make better choices, get a job and keep out of prison.

This Government isn't denying the housing crisis exists. In Tauranga, we've boosted funding for Housing First homeless services, and built over 2,175 state houses across the motu – more than any Government since the 70s - with more mahi to do.