Bob battered but victorious

Allegations of sexual impropriety, claims of campaign overspending, suggestions of improper tax practices, references to crotches and left testicles. Battle-scarred "Bob the Builder" Clarkson has weathered the storm to win the pivotal seat of Tauranga in one of the most caustic campaigns of recent times.

Winston Peters is back in Parliament as a list member with NZ First - but his 21-year love affair with the people of Tauranga appears over. Three weeks ago the polls suggested Peters was in trouble, but the writing was on the wall long before that.

The city, population 100,000, and once the domain of the blue-rinse set - core Peters supporters - has gone through a dramatic metamorphosis. The fastest growing city in the country is now home to more young families and professionals - a more politically astute clique who see Peters as a divisive, sometimes arrogant, figure who failed to deliver on key issues like roading.

Despite Peters' efforts to sow doubt among National supporters about Clarkson's suitability, the 66-year-old convinced voters it was time for a change rather than "a man for a change".

The challenge now is if Clarkson can knuckle down in his apprenticeship as a backbench MP - a tough ask for a man not accustomed to petty electorate concerns and the minutiae of committee work.

And if this campaign is any indication, he'll have to watch his tongue. Clarkson is confident he can make a difference: "It's for the benefit overall of Tauranga, and then of course New Zealand.