Among many other duties over the last fortnight, it has been a pleasure to be a part of some very positive events in Tauranga. It was great to be one of the judges of the best dressed in the ASB Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Breast Cancer Walk. Thousands turned out for this great cause in all their finery. Iris Thomas and her team of volunteers did an amazing job organising it all.

Just back from a two week Parliamentary recess, Simon talks about some of what he learned in the electorate during his visits with local businesses and community groups. Over the recess, several Ministers spent portfolio-related time in the electorate, including Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Hon David Carter and Hon Dr Nick Smith.

Simon talks about the Government's investment in infrastructure, with emphasis on projects underway in the electorate.

Simon talks about how busy the week is after returning from a two week recess - and a bit about what he did during the break. The success of the Kiwifruit industry is top of mind for Simon in this video and he talks about a special function the kiwifruit industry held in Parliament this week. National Day celebrations for Poland also figures into this video journal and Simon talks about what he has done to further relations with Poland. He notes that he's on the verge of departing to the US as a guest of the US State Department to deepen his understanding of international relations.

With an announcement today from Defence Minister Wayne Mapp that nine Skyhawk jets will be going to aviation museums, the prospect of Tauranga getting one is exceptionally good.

Select Committee duties have been keeping Simon very busy at Parliament recently - he talks about that and focuses on what's going on with the development of the Government's alcohol reform legislation and the Criminal Procedure Bill.

Simon sends his condolences to the people of Japan. His thoughts are also with the people of Christchurch and congratulates the people of Tauranga for all their support and generosity in giving up space in their houses as well as food and clothes.

Simon talks about his reaction to the Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament.

The last fortnight has been busy for me in Tauranga as Parliament has been in recess.

The past week has contained a couple of highlights for me. Firstly, I had a delightful visit to the year 6 classes at St Mary’s Primary School on Monday to discuss how laws are made.

One of this Government’s key planks for economic growth is investment in infrastructure.

A lot of culture has hit town in the last couple of weeks including the 49th Annual Jazz Festival. In addition, two other events have made their mark.

The Christchurch Earthquake has been an awful tragedy that we will deal with as best we can in the weeks, months and years to come.

The new Cossie Club is a wonderful facility for our city and the address by Ms Gillard was special, not least because it is the first time a foreign head of state has formally spoken in our national debating chamber.

In January’s Bridges Brief I talked about how we will build and secure Tauranga’s future. As I made clear then, I am very excited about it.

Simon and the Prime Minister had a very busy day on 18 June before Simon was called back in the early afternoon to Parliament. Simon walks us through the day and the video contains still frames from most of the events he mentions.