PM finds plenty to get excited about

Last Friday, Prime Minister John Key came to town for the day. Not a flying visit as reported, but to visit with four chart-topping Wanganui businesses, our best and brightest students, iwi leaders and lunch with 130 Wanganui-ites.

The Prime Minister was impressed and described the businesses as inspirational.

Quality Safety and Medical Manufacturing produce harnesses for electricity high-wires maintenance people, oil and chemical spill socks to protect the environment and make millions of face masks. These protect those in operating theatres, sand-blasters and members of the public guarding against pollution and bird flu. The company migrated here from South Africa and is here to stay.

Heads of all eight secondary schools in the electorate shared morning tea with Mr Key, who spoke on leadership and public expectations of those selected to be in governance over us. The students cross-examined him on responses to media publicity, decisions that go wrong as well as picking a team and how he "fits it all in" with family and other pressures. The PM extended the visit from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours because of the importance of the meeting. Meanwhile, protesters stood outside yelling and swearing - such is their right.

Iwi leaders from tribes affected by the Whanganui River claim met for about half an hour to brief Mr Key on their hopes for the region and to reinforce their pragmatic approach to an upcoming settlement. To allay fears that some have of banning use of the river or the ability of Maori to somehow veto access, the group assured the Prime Minister that no such measures were sought.

A luncheon was held at Elements restaurant and the Prime Minister spoke and answered questions from the public, which ranged in topic from Wanganui Collegiate, the "h" debate, the River Rd completion of sealing, to maternity services' retention in Wanganui. A gift of a Wanganui glass waka was made to the Prime Minister. More polite protesters had a shout.

Miles Fothergill and Colin Mitchell of Q-west Boat Builders had on show the Lady Elizabeth IV from Wellington and several other projects which amazed their visitor. They are also actively involved with INTRANZ to ensure the on-going availability of skilled young leaders entering the industry.

A forum with staff on all topics political and social followed.

Tasman Tanning exports the highest quality leather around the world and is the only player of any note in New Zealand and one of the biggest in Australasia.

Leather is used in footwear, furniture, and aircraft upholstery.

The workforce of over 300 makes it a big player in the Wanganui employment market. Mr Key stopped and spoke to most of those on the shop floor and was very impressed.

Mars Petfood was the last visit before the airport.

This incredible plant takes an almost valueless product and turns it into high-quality, high-protein food which fetches good money on domestic and international markets and creates jobs in Wanganui.

All in all, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister were blown away by the vibrancy and drive of local people doing international business to a world standard.

Both are itching to return.