As MP for Papakura it is very important to feel the pulse of what is happening in the electorate.

I spend most of the week in Wellington, but on Fridays I come home to work with those closest to my heart - the people of Papakura.

It is the day I get out and support local events and meet local people. Papakura is such a diverse and exciting place, and there is always a lot going on.

Last Friday - July 3 - was an especially busy day.

The first event in the diary was a special ceremony for the 3rd Auckland and Northland Battalion Group Delta Company. They're part of the Army Reserve - the Territorials.

The ceremony marked the Delta's Company's return to Ardmore after some time based in Central Auckland and I had the honour of welcoming them home.

The Territorials have been an integral part of our country's Armed Forces for over a century. They are made up of volunteers from all walks of life who devote at least 20 days a year to the service of their country.

They have earned our respect through their service and achievement, and it was great to have Delta Company back.

Then it was off to Park Estate School and later at the Cosgrove School where books were being distributed as part of the Duffy Books in Homes programme. A love of reading and books is one of the best things we can give our children, and I greatly admire the good work by Duffy Books in Homes.

I should also mention the good work of the National Library who recently celebrated the delivery of 20 million books to New Zealand schools. This is a tremendous investment in New Zealand's future.

In between the school visits I attended the monthly Mayoral Forum at which the Government MPs of Manukau meet with Mayor Len Brown to discuss issues of interest.

Lately, the government's plans to create a single Auckland authority have been high on the topics for discussion. It's great to see that most Auckland mayors are now talking to the government about how their districts can benefit from the new authority.

The new authority is rapidly taking shape under the Transition Authority, which is being assisted by former Papakura Mayor David Hawkins.

There is still a lot of work to be done and it's important all mayors are fully engaged in the process. I also met with Mayor Calum Penrose and am looking forward to working more closely with him in the months ahead.

I was honoured to be invited to speak to the Auckland Ex Police Officers Club at the Papakura RSA. This club is made up on former police of all ranks. It says a lot about the bonds that tie police that such a club is so well supported.

As Police Minister I spoke about my vision for police - a service that is responsive to new trends in crime and new threats, but also one that upholds core values, such as integrity, honesty, respect for people and respect for the law.

The police service of the future would be more visible and would work harder to build relationships with communities and prevent crime from happening.

Someone mentioned that it sounded like old style policing from a time when police commanded the respect of everyone. I couldn't help but agree.

Finally, it was a privilege to officially open the Quota International of Papakura Antiques Fair. This has become a much anticipated event by people who love antiques.

As well as being an opportunity to buy some wonderful items, it also helps raise funds for people in the community. This year's proceeds went to Human Equine Assisted Reality Therapy, or HEART, which does great work helping children in the Manukau area.