Who’s the next National leader?
It’s the toughest job in Parliament. Stacey Kirk looks at the people who want it.
It’s a tough job, but it’s still in demand. Who are the candidates vying to be the next National Party leader and leader of the Opposition, after Bill English resigned, and how would they steer the centre-right ship?
Simon Bridges
The economy: ‘‘I don’t think it’s about Left or Right, per se. I don’t think we did lurch to the Left as some have said. But we do need to keep ensuring we’ve got fresh ideas coming through, so that New Zealanders look twice at us or very seriously at us.’’
What voters like least about National: ‘‘I think there’s always a perception for Centre-Right governments that they’re possibly a bit flinty, that they haven’t opened up the chequebook enough.
‘‘But I think what’s also true about that is that they recognise that we are the best economic managers. But that’s been a perception in New Zealand for some time, it’s something we wouldn’t want to lose.’’
First priority as prime minister: ‘‘I think ultimately, it would be making sure that we are growing the pie; that we’ve got a strong economic direction. And the reason for that is very simple, it’s because everything else flows from that. I do, though, want to see a bit of a change of emphasis. I have some ideas I think, where we can continue to have New Zealanders looking at us differently as a National Party. I think they need to see our green credentials better. I think they also need to understand the strong work we’re capable of, that we’ve done and that we’ll continue to do in relation to small businesses and the provinces.’’
First priority as National leader: ‘‘I’ve got a very clear sense of a plan if I’m elected the leader. It will involve a reshuffle, that won’t be throwing out experience and heft that’s obviously important. But it will be also about blending that with new talent. I’ll also be looking to talk to New Zealanders about some subtle changes of direction, to ensure they are looking twice at the National Party and how we’re doing things.’’
Amy Adams
The economy: ‘‘I think our economic settings and policies are a core part of who we are, and sensible fiscal and economic management, growing the economy, creating jobs and opportunities – that’s what people expect of us. ‘‘We’re going to continue to show that, whoever the leader is.’’
What voters like least about National: ‘‘Sometimes I get a sense that they think we’re not talking about the things that matter to them. I think that we absolutely are focused on the things that Kiwis care about, but it’s our job to make sure that they hear that from us.’’
First priority as prime minister: ‘‘My first priority as prime minister would be to make sure New Zealanders know they’ve got a Government that is not only competent and capable, but is absolutely there to make sure their lives and their opportunities [are] better. I think that they need to see and hear that this will be a Government, where National is in power, that cares about their futures, cares about their opportunities and is going to make sure that they not only have opportunities, but that we are very careful with the money that they send up to Wellington and we spend it every bit as carefully as they would their own money.’’
First priority as National leader: ‘‘I think that the first things I’ll want to do as National leader is make sure as a team, we’re functioning well. Obviously, the leader is going to have to get the key positions in place around them, and then come in as a group, we come together and set a direction that we all buy into over the next three years.’’
Steven Joyce
The economy: ‘‘We could have a debate forever about whether National’s gone in a particular direction or not. We’re a broad Centre-Right party, our job is to represent the nearly one-in-two New Zealanders who like our sorts of policies and our sort of approach – the reliance on individuals and families and giving them the chance to get ahead.’’
What voters like least about National: ‘‘It’s a bit hard to say. It’s hard to have that sort of criticism, because actually they were pretty positive about us in the last election. Ultimately, the Government was appointed by Winston Peters. There’s always things to work on; no party or government is ever perfect. But the way you do that, is a laserlike focus on what New Zealanders are looking for from their Government.’’
First priority as prime minister: ‘‘My first priority if we became the Government in 2020 would be to make sure we’ve got the settings right to continue the progress that we’ve made in the last two years. And that would mean probably, depending on how far [Labour] get, undoing a few of the things the current Government plans to do over the next 21⁄2 years.’’
First priority as National leader: First thing you have to do is get the team together, allocate responsibilities. Obviously, on the day there is a leader and deputy leader elected – allocate responsibilities, make sure we’re organised with staffing and so on, so you can hit the ground running as quickly as possible.
Mark Mitchell
The economy: ‘‘I believe we’re highly trusted by the country in terms of our economic management and we can be really proud of what we’ve achieved over the last nine years.
‘‘I won’t go into all the challenges we face as a country, they’re pretty well known. And we delivered to the incoming Government a pretty strong set of books. Of course, now we’re a bit worried about what could happen.’’
What voters like least about National: ‘‘We’re sort of seen as the party that ‘yep, very good economic managers and can deliver, and make sure that we’ve got a strong, healthy health system and education system, and law and order is good, and we’re safe and the community is fine’. But we have to have a kinder outward face for that as well.’’
First priority as prime minister: ‘‘First priority for a prime minister is first of all national security. So making sure your country is actually safe and as protected as you can be, whether it be global terrorism, whether it be a global financial shock, whether it be a massive change or movement in the markets. To make sure the country is in the best possible position to absorb those shocks and continue to grow and provide opportunity and the lifestyle that we’re used to as Kiwis.’’ First priority as National leader: ‘‘We would definitely have an immediate plan to get back into government but there would be a lot of detail around that. And obviously it would involve some heavy lifting, and heavy grunt work with policy. We will have that ready. Not like this Government, that right now, is finding it hard to get their own bills and legislation into the House – they’re still using our legislation. We will actually be ready and prepared.’’
Judith Collins
The economy: ‘‘I think that we’re seen as being a little too far to the Left from our base. And it’s time for us to look at our policies and to, in my opinion, straighten up some of those.’’
What voters like least about National: ‘‘I like to hope that voters like a lot about National. I think it’s very important for us, when we’re asking to be back in Government, to lead the next Government, that we’re very, very clear on our policies. I think it is very important to go into an election campaign with five or six main policies maximum.’’
First priority as prime minister: ‘‘We have a fabulous caucus, 56 of us, very committed, many of whom have had a taste of Government and are wondering when can we get there again.’’
First priority as National leader: ‘‘Training our MPs, helping them to understand the craft of working the House. But also having groups of MPs working together on particular policy areas and giving each of those MPs a chance to shine.’’
❚ Corridors of power, Opinion C5