The Labour Party will have more of a presence in Rotorua with local businessman Fraser Newman appointed as the party's official spokesman.
Mr Newman said that traditionally electorates hadn't been able to speak on the party's behalf, but the new strategy will mean he is now able to comment.
"It
definitely does give more of a presence."
Mr Newman said it was particularly important to have a local person able to comment on the issues, given that the closest Labour MPs were in Hamilton and Gisborne.
While he always had a keen interest in politics, Mr Newman became involved after returning to New Zealand two years ago.