KEY POINTS:
As the political year kicks off, we begin a series on first-term National MPs whose careers have been given a lift under party leader John Key. Today, Jackie Blue tells Ruth Berry that she is diving into the women's affairs portfolio.
Jackie Blue
* Breast physician.
* Married, two school-aged children.
* Aged 50.
* Auckland list MP.
* Won the women's affairs portfolio in the reshuffle and retained associate health.
You have just finished your first year in Parliament. What has surprised you?
The enormous amount of work, actually, and the huge learning curve. The first six months I kept feeling overwhelmed, having to face a new way of working, learning to work with your colleagues. Trying to find your political sea legs, so to speak. It felt wobbly in the first six months.
What's been your most embarrassing moment as a fledgling MP?
Getting chucked out of the public gallery by [Assistant Speaker] Ann Hartley. I didn't realise you couldn't barrack and interject from up there. I'd gone up to join a couple of friends visiting from Auckland and I got ordered out. The next day at 8am there was a "please explain" from the Whip. They were having some sensitivities with the Speaker and that didn't help.
How does being an MP compare with your previous job?
Totally different. In my work as a breast physician, I felt I was an organised sort of person and got through an enormous amount of work every day but, quite frankly, as an MP you always seem to be running around catching up. My desk is an absolute bombsite.
What are you passionate about achieving in Parliament?
I'm passionate about the women's affairs portfolio. I hadn't expected that opportunity, it was a wonderful surprise. I really want to work out a position where National can take the portfolio forward. I called the Ministry of Women's Affairs toothless: I'd really like to give it some teeth.
Before John Key re-established the women's affairs portfolio, you were charged with "liaising with women". What did the change signify?
It was a positive signal we are taking it seriously. There are issues women have that we weren't addressing or focusing on. I think it brings focus to that portfolio.
Why were you given a portfolio promotion recently?
I haven't actually asked John Key or any of the strategy committee why it was. I presume it was John's decision and he probably had the confidence that I could take the next step up. And I'm really grateful for that.
What portfolio issue are you most interested in and why?
Because women's affairs is new, I'm diving into that big time. Several issues have cropped up that I realise have not been addressed by the ministry. It has quite a rigid mandate, quite narrow in the sense it's for policy only. I'd like to see an advocacy role for the ministry so it stands up to its own Government.
What stands out about National's new leadership team?
Very committed. I'm sure John and Bill [English] probably looked at each other as potential rivals during the past few years but there's no question now they are a united, tight team. I know it's going to be a long-lasting relationship. It will take us into Government.
Does the party need to be more centrist and if so why?
I think it does need to be more centrist. I think John has already taken away all ambiguity that there was with the previous leadership and I think that's a good thing. I know we will be staying true to our National values and core beliefs.
Which MPs outside of National have you made friends with and/or have respect for?
There's only one person who would get that award and without any hesitation, I'd say Tariana Turia. I worked with her on the health committee and she is a woman of integrity ... she just blows me away, quite frankly. I respect her totally: she stands true to herself, true to her [Maori] Party.
What is the best book you have read this year?
It'll be a thriller of some sort, I can't remember the last time I read a book. Oh, there's a science fiction book that I read and really enjoyed but I can't remember the name of it. Too busy.
