Larry Baldock, United Future party, Tauranga

Larry Baldock

Larry Baldock is a first-term United Future MP and spokesman for transport, tourism, local government, environment and conservation, biosecurity, agriculture and fisheries.

Where are you placed on the United Future list and where were you last time?

Five now. I was seven last time.

Why do you think you were promoted?

I think because I've handled my responsibilities and settled into my job.

What will you do if you don't get re-elected?

I don't think that's a possibility really but I'll always find something to do. Take in some kids, try to make a difference in some other way. We were fostering before, we could continue to foster children.

What's with your Marriage (Gender Clarification) Amendment Bill, a private member's bill that might get up for a vote on Wednesday?

I simply want to make sure that Parliament establishes clearly that marriage is for a man and a woman only and that it is never left up to the courts to perhaps reinterpret it.

Do you think it will pass?

At this stage I am hopeful. We have almost sufficient support.

Are you religious?

I try not to be too religious because I think there is a difference sometimes between religion and really being a follower of Jesus Christ. I try to be a good follower of Jesus. I try to live the life I understand he wants us to live.

You are like the de facto MP for Outdoor Recreation in your party. Do you actually like to go hunting and fishing?

Not as often as I'd like to. I actually grew up in a fatherless home and I didn't get taken hunting or fishing much. But I was taken out hunting late last year and shot my first thar and we enjoyed the meal at my home not long ago.

What has been the most satisfying achievement in your three years in Parliament?

Making a difference in lots of different pieces of legislation through the select committee process and through negotiation with various ministers. I worked mostly with ministers of transport, Paul Swain and now Pete Hodgson, and Marian Hobbs and Benson-Pope with the RMA [Resource Management Act], and Chris Carter with local government and conservation.

Do you think the election is going to get dirty?

It's looking like it.

Did you know that the United Future website on Thursday compared the marriage and child records of each leader and do you approve of that?

I'd be very surprised. I don't know anything about that at all.

What did you do in the recess?

This week I've had a one-week road trip around the South Island with Outdoor Recreation New Zealand, promoting the policies and having meetings from town to town and talking with recreational groups about the policies.

Is there a person in another party you admire?

I do respect [Finance Minister] Michael Cullen. He handles his job pretty well.

Do you have a favourite Green MP?

Yes, the one that's leaving Parliament, Ian Ewen-Street.

What do you say to your supporters who are appalled that United Future supports a Government under which civil unions and prostitution has been legalised?

I try and ask them to understand the political processes and the choices that we've had and that we can't solve everything in the first term. We had to keep our word [supporting Labour] and prevent the Greens from having more influence, and did we all could to stop that legislation.

What's the best thing about living in Tauranga?

The climate, the lifestyle, the beaches, the harbour and the people.

What about the MP?

I think it's time Tauranga had an MP that really represented them, not used them.