Tauranga-based New Zealand First list MP Clayton Mitchell has dismissed Prime Minister John Key's comments about Chinese buyers as "political spin".

Grant Florence, chief executive of the national industry group Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, got his first taste of the sector through the mortgage business.

Neil Roberts, founder and majority owner of Harmoney Corp, has stepped down from the peer-to-peer lender's board but will remain as chief executive.

The new Tauranga Eastern Link has been described as a "game changer" that will bring the Bay closer together and "ensure economic growth".

At least three of the country's richest men are living in Tauranga - a major car dealer, the co-founder of an Australasian clothing chain and a large-scale property investor.

Business growth is bouncing back with more than 350 companies starting up or adding new offices in Tauranga last year.

Rentvesting is a phenomenon in larger cities and now happening in Tauranga, particularly as Aucklanders look outside their overheated property market for regional investments.

Tauranga City councillor Steve Morris says the council has essentially "rolled over to the liquor barons" by removing a cap on the number of new liquor outlets in the city.

Born in the Northland and raised on a mixed dairy, sheep and beef cattle farm, there was never much doubt Warren Parker would follow an agricultural career.

A fight is developing over plans for an off-licence liquor store in central Tauranga - with the community saying the number of alcohol outlets in the area has reached saturation point.

Tauranga's newest barrister and solicitor Simon Gyenge has returned to his roots and looks forward to a bright future working for a top local law firm.