Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

I spent a great day at the recent Katikati A&P Show. There was much talk about our growing economy and what it means for us all.

Politicians can quote all the numbers and statistics they like, but most people are really only interested in what the numbers mean for themselves, their family and their local community.

A strong indication about the strength of our economy is that here in the Western Bay of Plenty the Government's plan to build a more competitive and productive economy is working.

How can we tell? Well, because there are more new jobs, less unemployment, fewer people living on welfare and local businesses are reporting high levels of confidence.

A recent NZ Institute of Research survey reports hiring intentions are very strong, and Seek reported a 10 per cent increase in new job ads during 2014 compared with 2013.

That's 20,000 more job ads than the previous year.

When people have jobs they can pay their bills and invest in their families futures.

Latest labour market data shows there was an increase of 28,000 more jobs in the last quarter and 80,000 more jobs during the last year.

In our own Bay of Plenty region there was an increase of 15,600 new jobs.

In total 80,000 more people are employed than a year ago and there are 217,000 more people employed than five years ago.

Those numbers are huge and they have a big and very real positive impact on the lives of real people, real families and real communities.

New Zealand is in good shape and getting better. We're making great strides towards building a stronger, more prosperous country – a country where we can have a great lifestyle and earn a good income that compares well with the rest of the world.

I'm looking forward to a full and busy year ahead, both here in the electorate and in Wellington.

Please never hesitate to make contact with me if I can be of assistance with any matter.