New MPs: Passionate educator says bring it on

Tamaki's new representative Allan Peachey believes the quality of a man can be measured by his enemies - in which case, he's top shelf material.

The former school principal and first-time politician is outspoken and has ruffled public service feathers with his attacks on the "incompetence" of the Government, especially in education. But if that's what it takes to make the country a better place to live in, bring it on, he says.

Unsure about returning to politics after missing out on the Tamaki seat in 2002, Peachey says increasing annoyance at how Labour was running the education sector left him little choice.

His passion is education, his pet hate the Education Review Office, an organisation Peachey sees "no purpose or use in". He wants to put the focus back on children, teachers and parents.

"I struggle to find anything Labour has done that has meant more New Zealand children learning to read, write and do maths.

"I felt like they were trying to make me a chief clerk rather than a principal."

Though Peachey hopes to have a hand in the education portfolio at some stage, in his first term he will be spending as much time as possible in his electorate - "finding out what it means to be a politician" but knows it will be with an infallible sense of who he is and what he stands for.

Peachey believes people should be rewarded for their personal qualities rather than position.

"So many people have told me my initiative and energy will be sapped by Wellington, but I'm determined to let Wellington find out that won't be the case.

"I'm going into politics very optimistic and dedicated to the people of Tamaki."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY