NP keeps to tried and blue
While the country may well be waiting with bated breath to see who is going to govern New Zealand for the next three years, the result of the New Plymouth seat was never really in doubt.
In the MMP environment, which has existed since 1996, incumbent MPs usually lose their seats for one of two reasons; there is a big shift nationally or the MP has seriously disregarded his electorate. Neither of these scenarios existed although Labour made inroads into National majorities right around the country.
A congenial National backbencher, Jonathan Young has completed three terms as New Plymouth’s MP and has been an energetic advocate for the community.
The new hospital wing at Taranaki Base Hospital, the new northern highway out of the city and major work on State Highway three north were all achieved through his lobbying on our behalf. He was also responsible, along with others, for the establishment and continued success of Taranaki Futures, where schools and employers work together for the future employment of students.
Andrew Little tried twice and failed to win the seat, but on Saturday night newcomer Corie Haddock showed plenty of fight during a spirited campaign to make a dent in Young’s majority, down from 9778 in 2014 to 7276. Although it could be said Haddock benefited from the ‘‘Jacinda effect’, he showed himself to be a hard worker and effective speaker whose message resonated with many people. He can rightly take pride from his showing.
The minor parties remained more minor than they usually are, although Murray Chong could hardly have been upset with his third placing and 2759 votes. While this election was fought under the MMP system, in many ways it was reminiscent of the old first-past-the-post. The two main parties dominated the voting and the minor parties paid the price.
Significantly, both Haddock and Chong have said they’ll be back to contest the 2020 election, and if Jacinda Adern has three years to work her magic, it could be a different scenario.
So what does all of this mean for New Plymouth? That’s hard to answer, simply because king or queen maker Winston Peters will need to decide who to take to the ball, and who will end up as the pumpkin.