I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that it's been a great summer to be in New Zealand. Even if you didn't get a chance to visit other parts of the country, there were still our amazing local beaches to escape to... as long as they weren’t polluted.

I know I’ve been banging this drum since the election, but highlighting what’s important to us on the Shore, so Wellington and Auckland Council get the message loud and clear, is why you voted for me.

The Herald picked up the story, with news that a rates rise will bring forward the work to modernise stormwater and sewage pipes on the Shore from 2022. That’s six years earlier than previously planned, but still falls short of the urgency I’ve been advocating. This is critical work, for our health and our standing in the world. If these aren’t ‘shovel-ready’ projects worthy of government funding I don’t know what is.

In addition to our beaches, I’ve also been delivering compelling arguments in favour of sorting out the Shore’s woeful transport issues such as more ferries and building a comprehensive case for proactive support of our local business environment. So if you have a point of view on these or any other topics, get in touch with me. Despite my responsibilities in Wellington, I am first and foremost your MP, your voice in Parliament.

I'm on the Shore throughout the weekend, when there are usually community events on and chances to meet people; these are good opportunities to catch up. I'm also here on Monday, until I fly down to Wellington in the evening, after putting my boys to bed.

In Wellington, Parliament sits until 10pm on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. On Friday, I'm usually back on the Shore if I don’t have to visit parts of the country in regards to the Health and ACC shadow portfolios I hold.

My time in Wellington may seem removed from a local MP's responsibilities, but I'm happy to say that isn't the case. Our local issues are constantly informing my approach to national challenges. My driving concerns around ACC reflect the arbitrary and unfair experiences related to me by local businesses. My approach to the Health portfolio is guided by the real-life experiences I had working at our local North Shore Hospital.

My days in the capital have also reinforced a belief instilled in me by the Shore’s business community, that New Zealand is in an enviable position to make the most of the opportunities ahead. Our export products will be in demand, our local entrepreneurs will fill the gaps left by a retreating world economy, and the world's brightest talents will continue to come home. So let's make the most of 2021.

During the election, I promised voters 'a strong local voice in Wellington', which continues to be my focus. Reach out to my electorate office, let me know what's important to you and follow me on Facebook or Instagram @simonwattsmp for the latest updates and news.