First term in opposition for MP
First-term National MP Tim van de Molen plans to work hard as an advocate for the Waikato electorate despite spending the next three years in opposition.
Van de Molen accepted the decision by Winston Peters to form a government with Labour but said the coalition could expect strong from opposition Waikato’s National MPs.
National has held the Waikato seat for 18 years. Van de Molen took over from retired National MP Lindsay Tisch, winning the seat with 21,697 votes, 13933 votes ahead of his nearest rival, Labour candidate Brooke Loader at the general election
Van de Molen said while Peters’ decision was disappointing, he was now making sure he could work as a strong voice for his electorate.
‘‘We are in opposition now and it’s different to where we hoped we would be, but congratulations to the Labour party.’’
Van de Molen said most Waikato voters wanted a National-led government, so he knows the Peters decision won’t be well supported in his electorate.
‘‘Waikato can be confident we will do our best and the achievements over the last eight years won’t be eroded. I am making sure I am accessible and up to speed.’’
Federated Farmers would also be eyeing the new government closely. .
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report shows exports reached $38.1 billion for the year to June 2017.
The country’s largest export, dairy, has rebounded significantly after several years of a downturn.
‘‘I’m sure the new coalition government will be delighted to know the primary sector, the backbone of the nation’s economy, is in good shape and still a significant contributor to the country’s coffers,’’ said Federated Farmers Vice President Andrew Hoggard.
‘‘When the new government sits down and closely analyses the value of our primary sector they will acknowledge we are very lucky to have a profitable agriculture sector.
‘‘This report is a timely reminder of the importance of the primary sector to the wider economy. We encourage the incoming government to initiate policies which reflect this, so that all New Zealanders will continue to benefit,’’ he said.