The man is being labelled as impossible to contact — but says he is focused on talking about Tauranga issues through local media.

Between a bullying investigation carried out last year, and controversial shopping comments which made national headlines this month, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell is no stranger to hot water.

He’s also the guy who, most recently, has also been accused of being “shielded” by his own party from being questioned by media.

However, speaking to SunLive, Uffindell claims he is "happy" to speak with media in his electorate — and sees it as an "important" part of his job.

Speaking to media

When a request to speak with a national journalist or national media agency comes through, Uffindell says he puts it through to the National Party media team who will "go from there".

"My focus is very much on Tauranga, talking about those local issues with people and local media is very important."

When questioned by SunLive on whether his party is "shielding" him from media, Uffindell says he can't comment.

"I haven’t received any word from the National Party on that.

"I also would point out when those [bullying accusation] stories broke last year I think I did about eight or nine media interviews in a very short space of time followed by a 20 minute stand up with the press gallery, so I will let people draw their own conclusions on that."

Uffindell says he had not read the Stuff article which suggested he had been hard to interview, but understands the journalist was "disappointed" an interview hadn't happened after it had been requested.

Advocating for Tauranga

When in Tauranga, Uffindell says he is busy talking to as many people as he can, and reflecting their concerns in Wellington.

Recently, Uffindell says he advocated for the State Highway 29 commitment that the National Party made as part of their wider transport package on July 31.

The commitment stated it would upgrade SH29 in the western corridor of Tauranga, with "four lanes at specific growth trigger points" and side road access limited to "improve through-put" with rationalised and grade separated intersections.

Uffindell says this is a "significant $1.9 billion roading infrastructure investment" which is "absolutely critical" to unlocking growth and will support about "20,000 new homes in Tauranga."

"I worked really hard with our local community leaders and National just to make sure everyone recognised how important it was. Those are the sort of things I am focused on when I am engaging out there."

Supermarket comments "probably flippant"

Uffindell says he won't comment on the reaction to his supermarket comments which made headlines across the country, and would not apologise when asked if he felt one was appropriate.

What Uffindell did say however is he will work "very hard" for all people in his electorate.

"I’m very focused on making sure this city sees its potential and it’s the best city to work and live in New Zealand and I will work really hard to be your strong local advocate here in Tauranga."

Speaking in Parliament at the time, Uffindell said he did the shopping about once a month to give his wife “a break” and to look like “the everyday man”. 

When asked by SunLive if this comment was condescending, Uffindell called it "probably flippant".

"You know, you're up there debating late in the night, it was a bit of a flippant comment in that regard.

"All I was saying with that is it is the reality of my working life. I am away a hell of a lot of time. I absolutely didn't mean to cause any offence by that, but the reality is I work a lot, I am away a lot, I have a young family, and it is tough being away a lot of the time, but I am lucky to have such a supportive wife."