Simon Bridges National Party MP simonbridges.co.nz

Over recent months I've given you my views on Tauranga's big issues in this column: transport, housing, public safety and our CBD. There's lots more, though, to being a locally elected MP than working on policies on ‘the big stuff'; there's also the representative aspect or, put simply, helping you personally with whatever issue you may have.

Over the years I've loved this part of the job - whether it's been getting a family into housing or helping someone with a rare disorder get a compassionate response from our DHB.

Lots of my time of late has been spent assisting locals currently off-shore who've faced unreasonable MIQ decisions, meaning they can't come home. In one case a young New Zealander in London needed to come back due to deteriorating health issues for which they needed family support they just don't have in the UK. After some wrangling, I was able to help, and I am pleased to say the decision was reversed. There have been a number of cases like this.

If you're a constituent in the Tauranga electorate, I'm here to help you and, since the election, I've kicked off a fresh work programme to ensure you know how to get hold of me. Amongst the things I'm doing, I've started door knocking the streets regularly – I hope to get to every home this term – and I'm also meeting fortnightly with businesses and community groups I haven't met with before. If you want me to visit yours, call my office and we'll make a time.

Additionally, I'm holding three constituent clinics each month (a bit like doctor's surgeries) in central Tauranga, Greerton and the Mount, which you can drop into for my help. Look out for my adverts in this newspaper, on my Facebook page or website: www.simonbridges.co.nz for the details.

In the near future I'll be getting along to Waikato University's Tauranga campus to step up my outreach to students and starting quarterly public meetings – the first being on housing (look out for advertising on this as well, which will give you all the details).

The main point is this: as your MP for Tauranga I take my role representing you seriously. If you've an issue I may be able to help with, don't be a stranger!