KEY POINTS:
You've just finished your first year in Parliament. What has surprised you?
There are two things. Very few people actually listen to what's being said. Because of the whipping system everything is predetermined in most cases, so therefore unlike all other speech making activities that I've been involved in where the art is to try and persuade, that's almost irrelevant. The second thing is being given an hour's notice to speak on the Telecommunications Amendment Bill and you only heard of it an hour and a half ago.
What's been your most embarrassing moment as a fledgling MP?
I've managed to avoid one - at least if there was one, I didn't notice!
How does being an MP compare to your previous job?
If we don't win next time, I would have made the wrong decision. If we win the next time, I would have made a very good decision. The job I had before, chairing the world agricultural negotiations, was quite obviously a much more important job than being a middle-bench Opposition MP. But I'm playing the long game here.
What are you passionate about achieving in Parliament?
I'm passionate about taking New Zealand forward to the next level of wealth creation.
Why were you given a portfolio promotion recently?
I was in two portfolios which I described as too "goody two shoes": arts and culture and international trade. And I really wanted to move into the deputy finance position because of my background in Treasury, principal economic adviser to MFAT.
What portfolio issue are you most interested in and why?
Primarily of course, in the trade side and that has a number of aspects. Looking into the finance position ... the fundamental problem is it takes too long to get rational business decisions approved where regulatory frameworks are in place in this country.
What stands out about National's new leadership team?
I think it is the best of all possible results. For me, the National Party makes the most sense when it's a blend of good provincial folk and urban liberals. Everybody is extremely happy about the result.
Does the party need to be more centrist and if so why?
I think it needs to project itself as centrist. To use the old cliche, perception is reality in politics, we all understand that. I certainly think the Labour Party does a sterling effort of trying to project us as some kind of right-wing, maniacal nutcase. I think we've got the leadership to project an accurate view of where we stand, which is a centre-right party.
Which MPs outside National have you made friends with and/or have respect for?
I've got good relationships with a number of people that I've worked with over the years, like Phil Goff, and [David] Cunliffe, who used to work with me in MFAT on the same brief.
What's the best book you've read this year?
Collapse, by environmentalist Jared Diamond, on analysing why societies have either collapsed because of lack of attention to sustainability or are threatened with grave structural problems.
Tim Groser
* Age 56. Three children. Separated.
* Former trade diplomat
* Auckland list MP.
* Entered Parliament at number 17 for National. Now ranked 15.
* Won the trade portfolio and associate finance [formerly held arts, culture and heritage and associate foreign affairs].
