Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

The Coromandel electorate includes a significant portion of Western Bay of Plenty from Katikati to Waihi Beach.

As the Weekend Sun's newest columnist, I am delighted to have the opportunity to share information on local issues and Government decisions affecting our area.

As Coromandel MP, I work closely with neighbouring colleagues, including Minister Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga, and Minister Tony Ryall, MP for Bay of Plenty, on issues where we and our constituents have a shared interest.

One thing that has been hugely satisfying in recent months is the progress being made to the control of alcohol sales in our communities.

This has been especially welcome in towns like Katikati, where residents campaigned long and hard for the right to be able to protect their communities from alcohol-related harm and a proliferation of alcohol-selling retail outlets.

The Government's new laws have empowered district councils to create their own Local Alcohol Policies with rules that are suitable for their particular areas. The Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City councils have moved quickly to take advantage of this opportunity.

With measures including capping the number of off-licences in each ward at current levels, and a 500 metre exclusion zone around schools, it's clear the views of the local community – expressed through the 1000 submissions received – are being heard.

Giving people a say on the future of their own communities is precisely what we hoped to achieve with this law change; and I look forward to monitoring the positive impacts.

Reducing alcohol harm is just one way the Government is delivering significant health benefits to the community. I was delighted to join Health Minister Tony Ryall at a recent meeting of the Western Bay of Plenty Disability Trust.The Minister spoke about Government's aim of giving people with disabilities and their families more choice, control and flexibility over the supports they receive, and the lives they lead.Measures to facilitate this include a team of new local area coordinators and the Enhanced Individual Funding, to allow people flexibility in using their financial support in a way that best suits their needs. This client-led approach is having some very positive outcomes and, as the new model is further developed, there will be even more improvements. Congratulations to all those at the service delivery end, who have contributed to this major restructure that is providing far better opportunities and choice for people with disabilities.