The New Zealand Election

Well, all the votes are in and the shouting is done. You might even want to say the fat lady as sung and like it or not, New Zealand has a new Government. John Key did something Bill English and Don Brash couldnt do. Obtain a National Party victory over Helen Clark and Michael Cullen. But to be honest, the true test of his leadership ability is about to come.

While it is true that Mr Key and his team will have to focus on the economy the National Party record on forming coalition party governments is not a good one, and while I'm sure that it can be done with lessons learnt from the past, it is still a test that Ms Clark, like her or not, has done and done well. And if Mr Key can maintain the balance with Act, United Future and even with the Maori Party then he is a very good leader.

There are a lot of concerns with Act, particularly with Roger Douglas and his history. So people will be in earnest watching to see how he places himself in the new government.

We stood on Election night with the New Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe and his team at Waikato Stadium and saw the results come in. I was watching two races with interested. Of course, Hamilton West, but I was also watching Te Tai Tonga, where my aunty Rahui Katene was standing for the Maori Party this year. She ran against the Labour incumbant Mahara Okeroa and took the seat from him by 684 votes. Not a mean feat by a first time runner. Awesome job aunty.

I think what impressed us most after it became clear that National was to take Hamilton West from Labour was that outgoing MP Martin Gallagher actually came to the National Party HQ to congratulate Tim on his victory. Martin, your performance at the last candidates meeting was a bit shoddy but last night you really impressed a lot of people and displayed John McCain like class. It was very impressive to those present that you not only came to the 'lions den' but even shared a drink with those present for a little while before going back to your HQ. Well done Martin...its sad that Labour have not recognised your valuable contribution and put you so far down the party list. It seems he will not get back in this time.

I think it took a lot of people by surprise that Helen Clark has indicated her intention to step down as leader and even more surprising that Michael Cullen has now said he's standing down too. In some ways I will be thinking to myself, heck, not only have I dropped Helen Clark from power, but I've also scalped the leaders. Labour is now in the mode of looking for a new top two. Phil Goff, Damien O'Conner, I would have to even say Darren Hughes, look like candidates. I don't know about other former glamor boys like Trevor Mallard, Tim Burton. The autopsy of this election will be interesting to observe.

Well, go for it Mr Key. The mandate is clear and very vocal. Now the job is for you to deliver to the people what the people need. Good luck to you Prime Minister.