Westies now leading the National Party
West Aucklanders are split on whether they want two of their own leading the National Party.
Simon Bridges was announced as the National Party’s new leader on February 27, taking over from retiring leader Bill English.
Paula Bennett, who was also a proud Westie, was announced as deputy leader.
Massey resident Temiria James-Hohaia said having two Westies leading the party was ‘‘cool’’.
‘‘West Auckland is one of the areas, I think, in Auckland that has been overlooked because of the need in South Auckland.’’
Having locals in high places may help West Auckland get more resources, James-Hohaia said.
She said the motorway was always ‘‘chocka block’’ with people travelling into the city.
‘‘That’s got to say something about a need to increase or improve the economic development of this area to keep people back on this side.’’
Henderson resident Donna Jesse wasn’t impressed by the party’s decision.
She didn’t believe having two West Aucklanders leading the party would help people in the area or low-income families.
Massey’s Pat Hay said he had lived out west for 40 years.
Hay said he had hoped English would stay in National for a bit longer but believed change was good.
He said it would be a hard fight in the next election but would like to see Bridges and Bennett standing.
Bridges spent his formative years in Te Atatu¯ , becoming head boy of Rutherford College.
He now lives in Tauranga. Bennett moved to Auckland in 1992, first to the North Shore before moving out west.
Bennett lived in Oratia and was MP for Upper Harbour, which included parts of West Auckland.
Following the leadership announcement, Bridges welcomed the caucus’ choice to re-elect Bennett as his deputy – an appointment he indicated his preference for, before the vote.
‘‘I’m delighted that Paula Bennett has been selected as deputy leader. Paula brings great experience and ability to draw people together and I know she will continue to do an excellent job.’’
Bridges said it was ‘‘an enormous privilege’’ to be elected leader by his colleagues and it was his job ‘‘to hold the Jacinda Ardern - Winston Peters coalition to account’’.