Todd Talks with Todd Muller National MP

Here we are nearly at the end of the year and the new Parliamentary term has only just started.

We had the Commission and State Openings of Parliament last week, very special occasions for MPs, after which new arrivals give their maiden speeches and will be allowed to participate in debates.

This was my third time going through the ceremony but this time it was extra special because my mother Trish came along to watch.

Sadly the wet weather precluded the usual military and ceremonial pageantry on the forecourt of Parliament but Mum still appreciated the grandeur and majesty of the events inside the Debating Chamber, Great Hall and Legislative Council Chamber.

Over the next three years I will continue to advocate for the Bay of Plenty in Parliament and will be holding the government to account to ensure the best policies are being implemented for our region.

It's disappointing that the four-lane Tauranga Northern Link project has been delayed again, by another 12 months.

And, on top of this delay, they are reducing the speed limit between Te Puna and Katikati to 80km/h.

It is also a blow to our region that the Government has only agreed to admit a total of 2000 RSE fruit pickers for the entire country when the kiwifruit industry needs 8000 more workers for Harvest 2021. Lots to keep pushing for.

Best wishes for the weekend. I'm sure you, like me, are looking forward to weather that reflects the fact that we are now officially in summer.