Mcclay hears ‘mood for change’
Emergency housing and speed limits on MP’S local to-do list
Winning Rotorua MP Todd Mcclay says he is humbled by the support he has received from the Te Puke area. Todd celebrated both his and the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup wins at Hennessy’s Irish Bay on Sunday morning, saying his nearly 8000-vote majority showed there was a mandate to make changes.
“We had a really good campaign and the number of events and meetings we were able to be at [in Te Puke] was probably higher than previous elections and I think the result is really clear that Te Puke voted for change and they want a Government that will see something and get on and achieve things and fix things to make things better for New Zealanders.”
He says he campaigned on support for provincial New Zealand, and particularly the kiwifruit and horticulture industries.
“That’s how we grow the economy and create better paying jobs for local people.”
He wouldn’t be drawn on any aspirations he might have in terms of responsibilities or portfolios.
“We have to look at the Government — there are a number of priorities and commitments we’ve made that we want to get on with. The first thing is, to be the Member of Parliament for Te Puke is a huge honour and I’m mindful that I’ve got a really important job to do for local people.
He says once negotiations to form the next Government have finished, “then I’ll be happy to serve Christopher Luxon in any way that I can that benefits the Rotorua electorate”.
One of the areas of concern during campaigning was the previous Government’s plan to impose lower speed limits in Te Puke, to 30km/h
on every road except Jellicoe St, which would have been 40km/h.
“We campaigned against that, said we wouldn’t do it, so that stops, it won’t happen. Ultimately it would just slow the place down and frustrate people.”
Todd said Rotorua felt “deserted” by Labour during the past three years.
“It was left to fend for itself. “When you think of how much digging had to happen from you guys at the [Rotorua Daily] Post and me and my role in the Opposition and the wider community just to get information about how they were using the homeless motels, it was a battle.”
But he said the people in motels “were as much a victim as everyone else in Rotorua” because a motel was not a home.
He said in rural areas his majority was just as strong.
“Which means this electorate has sent a clear message there is a mood for change, and they want a Government to get on and fix things.”
Todd announced his Rotorua emergency housing policy during the campaign, which included aiming to rid Rotorua of emergency housing motels in two years — including those contracted by the Government — and make out-of-towners ineligible for emergency housing via stricter criteria. Full audits of how money was spent would also be done.
When asked how quickly Rotorua residents would see change, Todd said: “We can’t just chuck people out on to the street.”
He said after two years, those left in motels would be moved into homes and everyone would be expected to find jobs or training, and children would be expected to be in schools and registered with doctors.
Meanwhile, despite Todd also having an Irish passport, thanks to a grandfather born in Ireland, he said the All Blacks’ win at the weekend was significant, and he predicted they could now go all the way.
“It will be an important thing for New Zealand. It is clear the country is doing it very hard at the moment for a lot of people — it is very expensive.
“Sometimes a change of Government and a good game of rugby gives you the momentum to get on and get things done that seemed harder before,” he said.
“This is a great country and Rotorua is an amazing place full of passionate people who love this town,” he said.
“An All Black victory would be the icing on the cake.”