Talking Politics Tauranga City MP

Cyclone Gabrielle has brought significant destruction to our shores. The impacts on people's lives are significant, with many having their homes, land and businesses damaged and destroyed. My thoughts are with all the people of Tauranga and around New Zealand who are feeling the effects of Gabrielle.

I want to extend my thankfulness and gratitude to all those people, be they paid staff, volunteers, council representatives and everyone else involved that has been out there helping with flood and wind mitigation and clean-up efforts. Many of these people have worked tirelessly through the night, doing what they could to help keep the people and homes of their communities safe.

We are aware a volunteer firefighter has died and another is in a critical condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

They selflessly serve and put themselves at great risk to protect our communities and their suffering is incredibly distressing.

We are going to see more extreme weather events, and we need the infrastructure to cope with it. As we begin the process of cleaning up and rebuilding, it is time for us to consider how we ensure our communities are best able to adapt to our environment.

We will work across party lines to establish a bi-partisan approach that is practical and effective.

Now is the time to put politics aside and work collectively as one for all New Zealanders.

Please take care out there and look after yourselves and one another.