Harete Hipango says new National leaders have her total support

Harete Hipango says an announcement on party rankings and portfolios will be coming next week. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui-based National list MP, Harete Hipango, says the appointment of Chris Luxon as leader and Nicola Willis as co-leader of the party is a sign the next generation is coming through.

She's also predicting a "turnaround in fortunes" come the 2023 general election.

Luxon and Willis complimented each other well, and had her full support, Hipango said.

"Nicola is very seasoned and experienced in politics, and while people might question Chris Luxon's experience in terms of politics, he is a very astute businessman, coming from the corporate sector and as former CE of Air New Zealand.

"There's a good balance in terms of conservative (Luxon) and liberal (Willis) as well."

Hipango said she didn't know what would be happening in terms of her own ranking within the party, or whether she would retain her portfolios.

"We should find out next week. That's the next thing Chris and Nicola will be turning their minds to."

Egos sometimes got in the way when it came to politics, but they needed to be displaced, Hipango said.

"The energy and the focus needs to be put into serving New Zealand, and serving the communities that we come from."

Judith Collins had been constantly undermined internally during her time in charge, Hipango said.

"She was set upon by the media, and there was old baggage that the public held onto as well.

"Now we've got someone who is fresh, hasn't had a long political career and doesn't have any baggage associated with that."

Around half of the National caucus stayed on to support Luxon and Willis while they conducted their media stand-ups, Hipango said.

"We all shared a kai together afterwards, and that meal was actually KFC. We're not big spenders, we don't have the money or the pūtea that people think the National Party has.

"We're running on the smell of an oily rag, we really are."

Hipango said the current mood in the party was "very upbeat and very buoyant".

"We've got a dynamic duo there, and both Judith and Shane (Reti) have been dignified, gracious and supportive.

"After seeing everybody come together last night (Tuesday), watch out Labour in 2023."