Pace of the action an eye-opener for new MP

Backbenchers Chris Penk National Party

Are you learning te reo?

Not in any formal way, but you get quite a lot of exposure, so just in a learn-by-osmosis — picking up a bit as I go along.

What is your view on the euthanasia bill?

We’ve got to look very carefully at the way the vulnerable might be affected. People who are seeking for very genuine reasons that they have that choice need to be considered with great care and compassion, but so too do other categories of people who . . . [might] feel as though they are a burden. I voted against it.

Is there a growing urban-rural divide in New Zealand and, if so, what’s the cause?

People in the more urban areas do generally recognise agriculture’s been a huge part of our economy, and it would be foolish to throw out the baby with the bathwater in terms of policies that might adversely affect that. Similarly, people in the rural parts generally recognise a lot of important stuff that goes on in the towns and that townies make other important contributions.

Overall there’s not a divide, except there is potential for it if people in the political realm are keen to talk it up.

Has it been a political football, or even a political creation?

Yes . . . [that’s] been an unintended consequence of some of the discussion. In relation to water quality, there’s been a lot of focus on so-called dirty dairying, and yet a lot of urban waterways . . . let’s say there’s some serious cleaning up that could be done all around the country.

What will you be doing to unwind this summer and where?

I’ll be in West Auckland, down in the Waitakere Ranges end of the Helensville electorate. It will be good to get back home and spend time with family and friends, and also to get out and about and do the great things one can do in the Helensville electorate — strawberry picking, great beaches, brilliant walks in bush and forest.

Do you have a view on the kauri dieback?

It’s something I’ve taken a very close interest in. If the expert scientific advice is that we are in danger of losing such an iconic and ecologically important species, we should proceed with great caution. We should take the option that would close tracks that were high or medium risk of spreading the disease further. We’ve got to be pretty careful, without unduly restricting access.

Is that something that’s close to your heart? Do you spend time in the Waitakeres?

I’ve always lived in and around the foothills of the Waitakeres. Grew up in Glen Eden, which is where we are now. I’ve spent time overseas . . . but generally the Waitakere Ranges have been a backdrop to my life, physically in the background and something I’m very conscious of. Native vegetation is a huge part of their character. It would be very sad to see it reduced with the threat of kauri dieback.

Tell us about a favourite beach, river or other special family place you had holidays.

We used to go to Whangaparaoa and spend a lot of time at the beach there, listening to cricket in the background. That was when it was very much out of Auckland. Driving for an hour seemed like a long trip. Splashing out at the beach and cricket at the beach.

Is there a particular beach you would go to?

Mostly Okoromai, somewhat out towards the end of the peninsula.

Are you a bit of a cricket nut?

I love cricket. I used to play a lot. I coached for a while, always listen and watch when I can. In the office, I’ve got the TV which has Parliament TV available. It’s also got Sky Sport and when there’s test match cricket on, I’m not going to say which prevails.

Let’s just say there’s opportunities to keep an eye on all kinds of important goings-ons.

If your life depended on it, who would you choose to bat between Ross Taylor, Martin Crowe, and Kane Williamson?

Gee. Funny you should ask about all three — all even on the test century front. I’m going to make my decision purely on the basis of who I think will be the first member of club 18 (18 test match centuries).

Obviously Martin Crowe, RIP. But Kane and Ross have so much more to offer. Kane is obviously younger, but Ross is in a new wonderful phase, and post-eye operation, and he’s just absolutely nailing it. So I’ll put my money there. You heard it here first.