After dropping in on the region to open the Tauranga Eastern Link, Prime Minister John Key reflects on his recent visit to the Bay of Plenty in this exclusive column for SunLive.

Photo: Supplied.

As Prime Minister, one of the best parts of my job is travelling around New Zealand, and meeting Kiwis from all walks of life along the way.

I was back in the beautiful Bay of Plenty last week with local MPs Simon Bridges, Todd Muller and Anne Tolley, where we officially opened the Bay of Plenty's biggest roading project – the $455 million Tauranga Eastern Link.

This 21 kilometre, four-lane highway is one of seven Roads of National Significance, identified by the National-led Government, as crucial to building New Zealand's economy.

It runs between Tauranga and Paengaroa. This is the second project to be completed, due to the high priority the Government placed on the benefits it will bring to the local region.

The Tauranga Eastern Link will cut travel times, improve safety and boost growth in the Bay of Plenty. It will shorten journey times when moving goods and services, which is key to boosting New Zealand's exports.

The National-led Government is focused on enabling economic growth rather than responding to it, and the link will see a boost to industries and jobs in the Bay of Plenty.

The highway opened to traffic on August 3, five months ahead of schedule, and features seven bridges, the biggest roundabout in New Zealand and a 6.8 kilometre cycleway.

I'd like to thank local residents for their patience during the four-and-a-half years of construction.

While in Tauranga, I was also able to unveil the Hairy Maclary sculptures in the new children's play area on the Tauranga City waterfront.

The installation recognises the impact Tauranga local Dame Lynley Dodd's literary career has had on both the residents of Tauranga, and New Zealand children for many years.

My wife Bronagh and I gave Prince George a Hairy Maclary book during the Royal visit last year. I was disappointed to hear the area was vandalised shortly after my visit.

Following that I made a quick visit to Tauranga Intermediate School.

I enjoy taking time to visit schools as it gives me the opportunity to chat to teachers, listen to their ideas and concerns, and personally acknowledge their efforts, as well as those of the students.

Students took the opportunity to ask me a few questions before I left, including 'how old are you?” – I asked this student how old he thought I was and was quite happy with his guess of 40. (I'm 53, but about to turn 54 as it's my birthday this Sunday).

The National-led Government is committed to ensuring our youngest Kiwis get the best start in life through world-class education.

That's why Budget 2015 will see us invest more than ever before into education - $10.8 billion this year.

Budget 2015 also included funding for major expansions at two Papamoa schools – Golden Sands and Papamoa College.

We're also ensuring we get better results from this investment and that approach is paying off.

More children than ever before are taking part in early childhood education and more students are achieving their NCEA Level 2 qualification.

National will continue to work hard for all New Zealanders and their families. I'm looking forward to visiting Tauranga and the beautiful Bay of Plenty again soon.