Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

The summer holidays are upon us. While some will be looking forward to a good break, I know for many Western Bay business owners and their staff, rest and relaxation won't be on the agenda in the immediate future – as they gear up for their busiest time of the year.

The feeling is positive among our tourism business operators and the degree of optimism has certainly increased since this time last year.

Seeing the Katikati town centre development get underway is a fantastic way to end the year and gives us great momentum heading into 2014 when construction will commence. A key component of the design is to encourage and promote investment by making the commercial heart of Katikati an easier place to do business. This is something we all certainly want to see.

We know the most successful urban spaces are ones with good access and a variety of amenities, which attract people into the area. The blueprint for Katikati has focused firmly on these elements.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be working with the business community to manage the impact of the building phases, starting with the re-vamp of the Katikati War Memorial Hall and surrounding plaza. The aim is to create a fantastic centrepiece for Katikati township – and I am hugely excited to see how this progresses next year.

For me, it's been a busy 2013 in the electorate and an equally busy time in parliament. It's been heartening to see policies that have been months, or even years, in the making being implemented and getting results. Taking crime to a 30-year low and overhauling our welfare system in a way that is getting people back to work are just two things that stick out in my mind. These are examples where changes we've made are having very real impacts on people's lives.

Parliament will be in recess for the holidays, so I will be out and about in our beautiful region visiting as many people as I can and supporting our wonderful events. I'll have an opportunity to meet many of the good people of the Coromandel electorate, along with some of our visitors to whom I extend a warm welcome to our glorious part of the world.

Finally for 2013, I would like to wish you and your families a safe and joyful Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead.