Simon Bridges MP for Tauranga

Simon Bridges
National Party MP for Tauranga

Media statement
23 August 2010

Simon’s survey results are in

The results for Tauranga MP Simon Bridges’ annual electorate survey are now in. Over 5,700 households responded.

“They provide an interesting snapshot on the mood of Tauranga,” says Mr Bridges.

“Economically the survey paints a mixed picture. It’s heartening to know that over half of respondents (52%) are personally in as good or better position economically as they were last year despite fraught times globally.

“The Government’s top priority for the remainder of its term will be the continued implementation of its economic plan so that more feel better off over time. In this regard the Government’s tax package will make a real difference. I’m confident income tax cuts will be felt in the period after their implementation on 1 October.

“While people are split on the merits of an increase in GST off-set by income tax cuts, I am confident this will move to a situation where people are firmly in favour of the change following our tax package implementation on 1 October. People will feel the additional money in their pockets. About $2 billion in GST rises will be off-set by more than $4 billion in across-the-board personal tax cuts which will act as stimulus injected into the economy.

“The after tax earnings for an average household will increase about $25 a week and an average wage earner will be about $15 a week better off – even after the GST increase.

“In general, the survey shows strong support for what John Key’s Government is doing in such areas as health and education. In health we see Tony Ryall acting in the areas of most concern to people. His priorities align well with what people want – reduced waiting lists and less bureaucracy. There is clearly also broad based support for National Standards in schools.

“Lastly it is worth commenting on the questions regarding Council. There was majority support for the Council’s library decision and people are strongly focussed on keeping rates under control,” says Mr Bridges.

Notes

Every household in the Tauranga electorate received the multi-question survey and over 5,700 households returned answered papers. This return rate is higher than Mr Bridges received in his first annual survey in 2009.

ENDS

Posted by admin in Press Release at 12:54

Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga encourages you to donate to the Cancer Society in exchange for a Daffodil on Friday 27 August.

“This year is the 20th Anniversary of Daffodil Day, and reminds us that cancer affects one in three New Zealanders,” Mr Bridges says.

“Daffodil Day started in 1990 and is a major fundraising event for The Cancer Society. Donations received are crucial to helping reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the community, and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders.

“I will be wearing my daffodil as a symbol of hope for those who are dealing with cancer.” 

Donations can be made to any collector on the streets on Friday 27 August. You can also call 0900 31 111 to make an instant $20 donation, or text ‘daffodil’ to 883 to make a $3 donation. 

For more information and other ways to donate see www.daffodilday.org.nz

Posted by admin in Press Release at 16:45

“I’m inclined to vote for an increase to the alcohol purchase age when MPs get a conscience vote on this” says local MP Simon Bridges.

“My clear inclination is to vote for either a change to a split age of 18 for on-licence alcohol sales and 20 for off-licences or for a complete increase to 20 years.”

Having said that, I want as much feedback from the public in Tauranga as possible on this. I have consistently said that I will be heavily guided by what the people of Tauranga want when it comes to conscience votes in Parliament and nothing has changed.”

In coming days I am going to set up a mechanism so that Tauranga people can advise me of their preference, I will be heavily guided by the views I receive,” says Mr Bridges.

Posted by admin in Press Release at 12:59

Simon Bridges
National Party MP for Tauranga

“The announcement of six new courtrooms and four new conference rooms for Tauranga by Justice Minister Simon Power is great news for our city,” says Simon Bridges MP.

“Tauranga is a fast growing city and as we continue to develop increased courtroom capacity becomes more and more important.

“As a former court lawyer I have seen first-hand the pressure on courts in our region. This is also an issue that I talked about in the 2008 election campaign and that I said we needed to confront. I am delighted that Minister Power is addressing this.

“One of National’s key economic drivers for growth is infrastructural spending. Tauranga is doing very well when it comes to investment in roads, hospitals, schools and now justice infrastructure. We are becoming better and better placed for the future,” says Mr Bridges.

Posted by admin in Press Release at 09:37

Hon Tony Ryall, MP for Bay of Plenty
Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga
Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua

Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and Rotorua MP Todd McClay welcome news that construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link road will start up to 7 years earlier than previously possible following the Government’s approval for the route to be tolled.

“The link, one of the country’s seven roads of national significance, is one of the biggest construction projects in the region and is valued at $455 million,” Mr Ryall, Mr Bridges and Mr McClay say.

“The link will create a 24 kilometre, four-lane highway from Te Maunga (near Baypark Stadium) in Tauranga to the existing junction of State Highways 2 and 33 (the Rotorua and Whakatane highways) near Paengaroa.

“It will contribute significantly to the Bay of Plenty’s economic and social well-being by reducing travel times for commercial vehicles accessing the Port of Tauranga and beyond.

“As well as shortening the journey for motorists and reducing transport costs for business,  greater efficiencies and access to the Port of Tauranga will help increase the volume of exports and in turn the growth of the region.

“The link will also improve safety for residents along the current route of State Highway 2 and open up access to new developments planned for Papamoa.

“Extensive community consultation on tolling to bring forward construction resulted in significant community support for the idea.  92 per cent of respondents said they conditionally or unconditionally supported advancing the project through tolling during the 2009 public consultation.

“Work will begin early next year and is due to be completed in 2016.

“Tolls are proposed to be no more than $2 per trip for cars and motorcycles and no more than $5 for heavy vehicles. It is estimated that all borrowing will be repaid within a toll operating period of 35 years, after which tolls will be removed.

“The existing State highway 2 route through Te Puke will remain as a free alternative route once the Tauranga Eastern Link is completed.”

To keep residents informed a dedicated website and an on-site visitor centre will open early next year.  More information about the link can be found on the NZ Transport Agency’s website www.nzta.govt.nz

Posted by admin in Press Release at 12:12

Simon Bridges
MP for Tauranga

Simon Bridges is urging Tauranga locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Tauranga MP, Simon Bridges.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits.  This fund will ensure that Tauranga can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there.  We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31.  Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says Tauranga has already put forward some great ideas for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Simon Bridges said.

“The world up is more than just the matches.  We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

ENDS
For more information on the Fund, visit:  www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Posted by admin in Press Release at 12:08