Amongst all the political shake-ups and shuffling going on in Wellington, SWMBO was concerned you might have missed their most important posting. The press of course only print the bad news – the sort of stuff that sells papers – so that leaves it for us to announce the real news.

TRM’s blogs usually ignore boring politics but this is too important to miss out. Our undefatigable MP for Turangi, Social Development Minister Louise Upston has been rewarded with more exciting new roles in tourism and hospitality and also becomes Deputy Leader of the House.

When we are located in a cute teeny weeny misunderstood tourist town like Turangi, the appointment of our long-standing MP in a tourist role becomes very important. Tourism is the future for Turangi, so we join everyone else to congratulate Louise Upston in her new role.

The photos illustrate her long involvement and encouraging support for tourist projects in Turangi. The photo below of Louise Upston inspecting the proposed route for the Tongariro River Trail (yet to be completed up to Poutu Dam?) from the Pillars of Hercules footbridge in the Kaimanawas, was taken in 2007.

CONGRATULATIONS are due with MANY THANKS from everyone in Turangi.