East Coast MP Anne Tolley never dared to dream her winning margin would increase by so much nor National's party vote be as overwhelming as it proved to be on Saturday night.
In Whakatane with her husband Allan and a band of supporters on election night, Mrs Tolley said it had been both overwhelming and humbling to watch the results as they came to hand.
"It's an incredible feeling to know so many people have confidence in me and believe I am doing a good job."
In 2011, Mrs Tolley won the electorate with 4700 votes over Labour's Moana Mackey. This year the difference sits around 7500 votes.
Mrs Tolley said she had been texting Ms Mackey on Saturday night.