MP steps up to the plate

Whanganui’s new MP Ms Harete Hipango told the annual meeting of the Patea-Waverley Branch of the National Party held at Kakaramea this week that she was thrilled and privileged to be the MP for Whanganui and was enjoying the challenge.

Ms Hipango has set up three electoral offices in Stratford, Hawera and Whanganui to cover the whole of the electorate. She is available to engage with all her constituents and be their voice in Parliament.

‘‘Getting out and about in the electorate is a priority and I’m enjoying meeting people and connecting with businesses and agencies. Time in Parliament is very busy when the House is sitting and Select Committees are meeting.’’

Ms Hipango is a member of the Ma¯ ori Affairs Select Committee and is also sitting in on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee and Justice Committee.

‘‘I’m relishing the opportunity to be involved and to gain a more in-depth understanding on subjects that until now I’ve only had a general knowledge.’’

Ms Hipango also said that the resignation of the Rt Hon Bill English as leader was ‘‘a surprise’’ and maintains the view that National remains a strong party and a united caucus now that the decision has been made in the appointment of Simon Bridges as Leader and Paula Bennett as Deputy Leader.

Ms Hipango has been disappointed by the confusing start to Labour’s free first year tertiary tuition policy. It has been something rather quickly scrambled together without much thought about how it will work or how it is targeted or indeed what it is trying to achieve.

‘‘National of course opposed and still opposed this policy, but we are dismayed by the unintended consequences,’’ she said. ‘‘Firstly wouldn’t it be better if you really wanted to do this to pay for the final year of study not the first. For a start that avoids paying for the large number of people who pull out. Also it’s the final year when the weight of fees and expenses are really telling.’’

This policy she said was anecdotally causing those who can’t decide what to do or who just want to extend their high school years to enrol in expensive courses without much careful consideration. While the lower socio-economic groups will be assisted this is a ‘‘universal payment’’ and will cost a vast sum.

Ms Hipango said this was just one of the expensive policies and promises coming through which cost a lot, but don’t advise public very much.