Voters, MPs, wait for Peters

Two days after the general election, Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe has been standing roadside with a hoarding of a different type.

Covering the National slogan that was seen on fences and posts around the city, is a message from Macindoe himself.

‘‘Thank you Hamilton West,’’ it says, signed off with a smile.

Preliminary results have Macindoe ahead of Labour candi- date Gaurav Sharma by close to 7000 votes.

‘‘It’s really gratifying to be reelected with an increased majority. That’s the biggest majority I’ve ever had, and I always like having little challenges,’’ Macindoe said.

‘‘Martin Gallagher is the only person to have served four terms with Hamilton West and now I match that.’’

Macindoe is also the first person to have served four terms in the seat consecutively.

He believes Hamilton West is the best electorate in the country, but as a traditionally bellwether seat, it is also one of the most difficult.

‘‘Look at the history. When there’s a significant shift in voter thinking, I’ll be the first one out the door because that’s how it’s always been in Hamilton West.

‘‘It’s a great electorate to represent but it’s also the most nerveracking. You’ve got to work hard in Hamilton West.’’

Ten days before the election, Macindoe even worried that National candidates would not come out on top.

‘‘While I was always optimistic about holding the seat, it did definitely go through my mind a few times that I may be in trouble,’’ he said.

‘‘However, in the last week, I did feel momentum was shifting back towards us.’’

Macindoe said the election has been one of the most enjoyable but exhausting.

He said the 2005 and 2008 elections - where he only just missed out to Martin Gallagher by 800 votes, and then won against him with 1600, respectively - were ‘‘fingernail-biting times’’.

‘‘This was one of the nicest campaigns I’ve been in. There was no Kim Dotcom, there was no Internet-Mana party, there was far less damage done to our hoardings.

‘‘The candidates in Hamilton West all treated each other with considerable courtesy.’’