Gracious loser

The only MP south of the Waitaki to lose their seat last Saturday was New Zealand First list MP Mark Patterson.

The Lawrence farmer has been a steady and pragmatic voice for the Clutha Southland region for the past three years, having steered a local Bill through the House, secured Provincial Growth Fund money across the region, and fought vigorously for Mataura residents over the dross storage issue.

‘‘I’ll retreat to the farm, pick myself up and see what the future brings,’’ Mr Patterson said, as he signed off to his supporters for one last time.