Labour police spokesman and Napier MP Stuart Nash was left feeling amused and pleased this week after being mistaken for a National MP in his 20s.
Heading into Parliament on Tuesday morning, 49-year-old Mr Nash was approached by a young reporter who thought he was National MP Todd Barclay.
Thinking the reporter was talking about a police story, Mr Nash said he listened to him until the reporter mentioned the "Southland office" to which he replied, "Do you know who I am?"
The reporter had mistaken Mr Nash for 27-year-old Todd Barclay who made national headlines on Monday after denying secretly recording of staff in his electorate office. Mr Barclay stepped down yesterday.
Mr Nash said after the reporter realised who he was speaking to he went on to apologise, telling him he was just two days into the job.
Despite the mix-up with this week's controversial character, Mr Nash said he was more concerned, or rather delighted, to have been mistaken for a 27-year-old.
In a Facebook post earlier this week he said the reporter had made his day, stating "Todd is 20 years younger than me."
Last night he recalled the incident and said he found it "hilarious".
"My philosophy about politics is you've got to take your role and responsibilities seriously but you can't take yourself too seriously,
"You've got to be able to laugh at yourself."
Mr Nash said he felt bad for the reporter, "I think it's hilarious, that poor little guy he's going to get a ribbing for a while."