Cabinet minister and acting deputy Prime Minister Nick Smith's visit to check out SmartGrowth's solutions for Tauranga's growing pains is an opportunity for local government officials and politicians to do business.

Andrew von Dadelszen, Nick Smith, John Cronin, Simon Bridges, Bill Wasley.

Nick visited the SmartGrowth partners Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty councils and was guided on a quick tour by the other SmartGrowth partner Environment Bay of Plenty, represented by chief executive officer Bill Bayfield, chairman John Cronin and councillor Andrew von Dadelszen.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says his role is one of facilitator – he helps get the ‘big boys' in town, so the locals can talk directly to government over a variety of concerns.
When the western BOP local governments have a united approach as exemplified with the SmartGrowth collaboration, some issues can be cleared in a few minutes talk with the Minister, saving months of bureaucratic trudging, and money.