Opinion: Deputy leader role for Fletcher Tabuteau brings added expectations

New Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau pictured with his family in Rotorua last year. Photo/File

What a day for Bay of Plenty politicians it was.

Within the space of about 30 minutes yesterday came the news Rotorua-based list MP Fletcher Tabuteau had been elected New Zealand First deputy leader, followed by the news Simon Bridges from up the road in Tauranga was the new leader of the National Party.

Te Tatau o Te Arawa chairman Te Taru White​ may have been half joking when he said Tabuteau as one of its "home boys" would have obligations to Ngati Whakaue and Rotorua in his new role, but there is an element of truth to it.

Not only will Tabuteau's promotion bring with it more responsibility and duties within the party and Coalition Government, it is likely to bring an added pressure to advance the interests of Rotorua.

That's always been his job, it's just as deputy leader he will now be perceived to have more influence, and with that comes higher expectations.

Mayor Steve Chadwick also commented the district will now have advocacy "at an even higher level", singling out Te Ngae Rd and museum restoration funding as being two of the issues she had discussed with him.

So, as White joked, no pressure Fletcher.

Tabuteau, as would be expected, has played down ambitions of taking on the party leadership before the next election but the top job must be a career goal - meaning he will need to impress at a national level. But at the same time he is loyal to Rotorua and stressed his home patch would remain a priority.

How he balances the two over the coming months and years will be interesting to watch. It won't be easy, but plenty of MPs have managed it before. We wish him all the best.