Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

During the last fortnight there has been a Parliamentary recess and I've taken the time to visit many local community and business groups.

While different people are having slightly different experiences – and the high dollar is causing problems for some – in general, there is a growing confidence and optimism amongst both the community and business sectors in Tauranga that the present and the future will be much better than the last eighteen months.

This has been heartening to hear and is backed by the latest economic data coming out of the big banks and government.

In recesses, I also always try and get relevant cabinet ministers to town and this time has been no different. Minister of Science and Innovation Dr Wayne Mapp came and together we spent a day visiting organisations and businesses that are doing interesting and innovative things. Some interesting developments will, I believe, come out of this visit.
I also had the Minister of Agriculture and Biosecurity David Carter here for a day and together we spent time with people in our horticultural industry. This visit was important for both the minister and our region.

Finally, I had Minister for the Environment Dr Nick Smith here and we spent time talking with local environmentalists. In addition, Dr Smith launched a recycling initiative with Mayor Crosby and at our visit to the Tauranga Environment Centre, Nick announced a boost in their funding up from $40,000 to $60,000.

One of the more entertaining things I did in the break was cook my 'Easy Peasy Frittata” on the Good Morning Show with the programme's in-house chef, Astar.

This was a lot of fun and Astar was a real character. To check out my recipe visit www.simonbridges.co.nz and click on the link on the right of the home page. If I do say so myself, the frittata is both quick and easy to make and very tasty.

Protecting our environment

Our natural environment is our greatest asset and I've always been a passionate advocate for it within National's 'Blue Greens”. It makes living in our communities so special. It's the core of our quality of life, our national identity and our competitive advantage.

National is bringing leadership and direction to environmental issues – making sure New Zealand manages its resources more effectively and efficiently to bring both economic and environmental benefits. We've simplified and streamlined the Resource Management Act, created an Environmental Protection Authority and reformed the processes for projects of national significance.

We want New Zealand to do its fair share on climate change. Our moderate Emissions Trading Scheme is delivering real results by reducing emissions and encouraging tree planting and investment in renewable energy. The scheme is delivering emissions reductions and we are on track to meet our Kyoto Protocol obligations.

We have embarked on an ambitious programme to better manage our fresh water. Since establishing the Land and Water Forum, we have delivered a National Policy Statement on Fresh Water, doubled penalties for non-compliance, introduced regulations for metering water takes and announced a new Fresh Water Clean-up fund. We're investing five times what Labour did to clean up rivers and lakes.

We have an ambitious work programme to improve management of contaminated sites and reduce the environmental harm caused by waste.

We've adopted new national environment standards for air quality and contaminated soil.

We've funded 25,000 homes in two years to convert to clean heating. This compares to just 1700 during Labour's nine years. Our Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme has insulated more than 100,000 homes.

We've invested $50 million in the New Zealand Cycle Trail and $1 billion to electrify Auckland rail.

We are introducing new laws to control freedom camping and to properly manage the environmental effects of ventures in New Zealand's vast Exclusive Economic Zone.

National has achieved more environmentally in our first two years of office than Labour did in nine.

More trees are being planted, more renewable power stations are being approved, more homes are being insulated, more fireplaces are being replaced with clean heating and more lakes and rivers are being cleaned up.