Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Last week I had the privilege of presenting a cheque to Creative Tauranga towards the cost of completing the nine Hairy Maclary and Friends bronze sculptures along the waterfront. These sculptures, hopefully to be installed before Christmas, will be a great addition to the downtown area and encourage people to visit the area.

This week Parliament was in recess, so I took the opportunity to visit the Ahuroa Gas Storage Facility and Stratford Power Station in Taranaki. This facility allows for the storage of natural gas during off peak times; and use when it is most needed, like winter peaks.

Today, I am travelling with Todd McClay to visit the Kawerau Power Station. The station is the largest single generator geothermal plant in the country, supplying one-third of the residential and industrial electricity demand in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Steady growth despite drought

New Zealand's economy, supported by the Government's responsible financial management, continues to grow steadily – maintaining one of the higher annual growth rates among developed countries.

Our 2.5 per cent growth in the last 12 months compares with 2.6 per cent in Australia, 1.6 per cent in the United States, 1.4 per cent in Canada, 1.3 per cent in Japan, 1.5 per cent in the UK, and -0.5 per cent in the Europe region.

As expected, the severe drought earlier this year slowed economic growth, with statistics out this week showing gross domestic product grew 0.2 per cent in the three months to June 30, taking annual growth to 2.5 per cent.

Kiwis one step closer to lower ACC levies

ACC has started public consultation on levy rates for the upcoming 2014/2015 year.

Earlier this year, the Government signalled levy reductions of $300 million in 2014/2015, and we anticipate continued savings for New Zealand households and businesses.

National is committed to building better public services and ACC is part of that picture.

ACC has focused on regaining the confidence of New Zealanders by being a reliable provider of treatment and rehabilitation, together with a strong focus on injury prevention, all at a reasonable cost.