Politics is about service, empathy
I’ve walked many miles in others’ shoes, says new MP
“In Rangit¯ıkei, show ponies wear a saddle.” So said Rangit¯ıkei MP Suze Redmayne in her maiden speech to Parliament. Rangit¯ıkei has been her home for 26 years, it’s her tu¯ rangawaewae and where she has found a real sense of purpose in rural New Zealand. Rangit¯ıkei people are modest and humble and it’s about “we, not me”.
The National Party junior whip gave her maiden speech on December 19.
Redmayne said the electorate represents quintessential heartland rural and provincial New Zealand at its best.
“It’s where community is not just a word, it’s who we are, it’s how we are.”
Redmayne said sustainable farming is not an oxymoron, it’s what most farmers and all good farmers do.
“We can’t make a living from the land without kaitiakitanga, without caring for the land and the soil, embracing biodiversity.”
Farming needs a regulatory framework that is built from the bottom up.
Catchment groups are doing a great job and should be used to drive water reforms and keep it local.
“Our farmers need to be empowered, New Zealand’s economic recovery starts in rural New Zealand.”
She worked with two of Rangit¯ıkei’s previous MPs. Simon
Power was a great mentor with an astute strategic political mind.
Asked when he retired what he thought the greatest quality required of an MP is, Power said empathy. Redmayne agrees.
She said her predecessor Ian McKelvie reinforced her belief that above all politics is about service.
“It’s about being part of the communities you represent. I will be forever grateful for his selfless commitment to helping others be the best version of themselves and I won’t forget what it looks like either.”
Working in the electorate office for 20 years gave her a unique insight into the social, environmental and economic fabric of the region.
“I’ve walked many miles in others’ shoes. I’m genuinely motivated by helping people and, stripped back, I believe that’s the fundamental role of an electorate MP.”
The electorate covers 12,500sq km from Taumarunui in the north to Shannon in the south.
Whangaehu River forms the western boundary and the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges the eastern boundary.
The electorate encircles Palmerston North and includes Summerhill and Aotaukere.
Redmayne said Rangit¯ıkei translates as the day to take great strides.
It has five mayors and no traffic lights but residents love a good roundabout.
It is a centre of gravity for the New Zealand Defence Force with the greatest military presence of any region – O¯hakea, Linton and Waio¯uru.
Born and raised in Wellington, after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Arts, Redmayne worked at ACC.
After a six-year adventure spanning three continents, she returned to New Zealand and married Turakina farmer Richard Redmayne.
The couple have three adult children.
“Mr Speaker, this city girl found herself in the country and so it was
Rangit¯ıkei that would eventually bring me back to Wellington and to Parliament with a proud resolve to celebrate who we are and what we have and equally to be a voice for what needs fixing.”
Feilding, a town of 18,000 people, no longer has a 24-hour police presence and boy racers, among others, exploit it, she said.
“I will work hard to ensure our businesses and farms can grow, and our towns and communities and way of life can thrive. I will work hard to ensure no one is left behind and those who need it get a hand up.”
Parliament resumed sitting on Tuesday.