Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Never before has one point mattered so much as when the ABs beat the French in the Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park last Sunday night, 8-7.

ike you, I was gripped for every second watching the tough, tight game. The All Blacks made all New Zealanders feel very proud. In addition to the win, it is worth noting the success of the tournament over all. We should all feel pride that the biggest sporting event our country has ever held went so well and has drawn accolades from all around the world.

The Rena

Strong, but slow progress is being made by the expert salvage team, pumping oil off the Rena. Of course what has and is happening is very serious, but I also want to underscore some very positive developments in our community. Tauranga people that I meet every day are much more positive and up-beat in the face of Rena than many out of the Bay of Plenty might realise.

We are getting on with the clean-ups that have happened and will continue to be required and we want New Zealand and the world to know we are still open for business.

Regarding beach clean-ups along our coast, more than 6500 people have registered to help. As far as I am aware, this is one of and perhaps the only, oil-spill in the world where volunteers have lent a hand (and a shovel). We should be proud of this strong community spirit and proud of the many people who are providing help in cash and kind. Personally, I have received quite a number of calls and emails from people wanting to deliver muffins and stews to volunteers and from businesses who have wanted to lend vehicles, expertise and more to the effort.

Business-wise, I have spent time in the last couple of weeks meeting with local retail, commercial fishery and tourism workers and bodies. The picture is mixed. Some are and will continue to be very significantly affected. Some have done very well in the immediate aftermath of this as camera crews and out-of-town workers descended on our city. That, of course, may not last and given the uncertainties associated with the Rena salvage, it is difficult to predict the long term situation.

The government is considering the issue of a support package for businesses affected and analysis to help here is being done by the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce together with Priority One and Tourism Bay of Plenty. In my view, the strength and leadership of these organisations has shone through in the last few weeks. They make a great difference to our city.

One message I have heard time and again from local people on the street, from business workers and owners is that Tauranga is open for business. People should know that they can still come and work and play in our neck of the woods. Whether you are coming for blokarting, gloworms, a day at McLaren Falls or simply for business, we want to see you and we want you to know that so much that is great about the Bay continues. Cruise ships continue to come and 77 more are due at the Port during coming months – bringing approximately 135,000 visitors in, a total of 200,000 during the season.

Come to Tauranga. We are open for business.