KEY POINTS:
A surprisingly fresh-looking Tim Macindoe, Hamilton West's new MP, was yesterday basking in the after-glow of election victory at home but looking forward to a decent sleep.
After staying up well into the early hours of the morning with his supporters and family members, the 47-year-old then went to his local church to receive communion before returning home to respond to dozens of calls and emails from well-wishers.
And while he was looking forward to "crashing out for a few hours" after months of campaigning he said was blighted by the Electoral Finance Act, he realised there would be few opportunities to improve his golf handicap of 14 or to unwind on the water as he often likes to.
"My three years in office starts today," he said.
The father of two teenage daughters and sometime lay Anglican minister defeated the incumbent, Martin Gallagher, by 1541 votes on Saturday night, confirming the electorate's title as a bellwether seat as National swept to power.
For Mr Macindoe, the relief was "tremendous" after four previous attempts to get into Parliament, including his heartbreaking loss to Mr Gallagher three years ago. With 86 per cent of the votes counted, he was in the lead, but eventually lost by a whisker.
"I've had a lot of disappointments and that was a big one, but we saw quite a swing of votes come our way on Saturday," he said.
"While I'm delighted, I also feel a huge sense of gratitude to a lot of people but particularly to [wife] Anne ... I'm not sure how many people could have had as many goes as I've had."
Today he will clear out his desk after stepping down as chief executive office of Arts Waikato and then prepare for tomorrow's first of many trips to Wellington.
At 55 on National's list, Mr Macindoe is under no illusions of a Cabinet place, although he has aspirations to serve there "in due course".
"I believe you have to walk before you run and it would be unrealistic to have any other expectations at this stage."
And while he is looking forward to his party repealing the "utterly corrupt" and "profoundly unfair and undemocratic" Electoral Finance Act, there are pressing local issues including the Waikato Expressway, which could well be a decade in the making.
"It's hugely important for our region commercially, so getting the roads safe, flowing freely and well maintained remains a real priority."
