Proud of National’s achievements

Anne Tolley

Opinion

I must admit it has been a bit of a roller coaster ride these past few weeks.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the new government. It’s a huge privilege and responsibility to be in government, and I wish the new ministers all the best as they step into their new roles.

Naturally I’m disappointed in the outcome, but I’m proud of the work National has done over the past nine years to change New Zealand for the better.

And gosh I’m proud of Bill.

So much of what we’ve accomplished goes back to his phenomenal work as both the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister.

He worked tirelessly to get our country’s economy back in great shape after the Global Financial Crisis, and to ensure government policy and spending was making a real difference in New Zealanders’ lives.

We’re now a much more confident and resilient nation as a result, and I hope the new government takes every opportunity to build on this success.

I also want to acknowledge Bill for leading an incredible campaign.

With nearly one in two people voting National, we head into the new Parliament with an impressive 56 ?MPs.

As the opposition party, it becomes our responsibility to hold the Labour-NZ First-Greens government to account.

That doesn’t mean disagreeing for the sake of it. Our job will be to ensure the government listens to New Zealanders, implements sound, responsible policy, and is transparent in its decisions.

My focus as your local MP doesn’t change.

When policy benefits our communities, I’ll say so. When it’s not good enough, I’ll argue for more.

I will keep advocating for increased investment in infrastructure, more jobs, and higher incomes, and I will do my bit to make sure sure our households, businesses, farmers and growers don’t get hit with unnecessary taxes. I will also continue to back local initiatives to reduce family violence and crime in our communities.

Regardless of whether we’re celebrating or commiserating the outcome of this election, we have a lot to be grateful for in New Zealand.

We have an ethos that every New Zealander, no matter their upbringing, should have the opportunity to succeed. We back those with entrepreneurial spirits, reward people for their hard work, and help our most vulnerable so they too can live happy, healthy lives and get ahead.

We have a society that is increasingly tolerant and openly welcome of diversity and difference.

And we live in a country where we can freely vote, share and debate our political views.

For those things I’m thankful, and while we can and should always aim to do better, I reckon we’re lucky to live in such a special place.

I look forward to spending the next three years doing what I can to make sure New Zealand remains a confident, positive and aspirational country.