Todd Talks with Todd Muller National MP

2021 is underway and the Government have already shown their priorities - which don't fit the city's needs and expectations.

First up, confirmation that the Bayfair to Baypark flyover is delayed until at least December 2023 - at the increased cost of $262 million. I find it hard to believe that this wasn't known at the election, when locals were assured by the Labour Government that it was still on track for a 2022 completion. It's a project that has served us one excuse after another for its failure, with huge impacts on the local community.

Then this week we hear that local community capacity to vote on establishment of Maori wards is off the table with a decree from Minister Mahuta. I strongly believe that local communities should have the ability to vote on such issues. I suspect our community would have appreciated knowing this was a Labour Government priority at the last election.

Minister Mahuta has also demonstrated that she believes she knows best how to manage Tauranga's needs, with her announcement this week of four new commissioners to replace TCC's Mayor and Councillors. She has appointed Anne Tolley, Bill Wasley, Stephen Selwood and Shadrach Rolleston, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and skill to their new roles governing our city. I wish them well in their endeavours but, along with many in our city, I also look forward to a return to democracy and a community-elected council to represent us next year.