KEY POINTS:
You've just finished your first year in Parliament. What has surprised you?
How it's quite regimented, it's a place very much of process and hierarchy and rewards people for effort and hard work. I didn't expect you'd have to put in leave forms [to get out of
the building]. It's sort of how I'd imagine a boarding school to be like.
What's been your most embarrassing moment as a fledgling MP?
Probably one of the most embarrassing was when I went to the gym [in Parliament's basement] for the first time and got into my gym gear and didn't have my jolly swipe card with me. So I ended up isolated in the corridor with no cellphone. There's not a lot of people that go right down to the basement. So I was waiting for someone to arrive. Thirty minutes seemed like forever.
How does being an MP compare with your previous job?
I was a farmer and on the Horowhenua District Council. So this is less time in my gumboots, more time in a suit.
What are you passionate about achieving in Parliament?
I'm keen to make my voice heard in terms of grassroots and the important roles that agriculture and the primary sector play in our economy, which are often forgotten. I'm very passionate about making sure that those who are making laws and decisions in Parliament should never forget the backbone of the economy.
Why were you given a portfolio promotion recently?
I don't know. [On being junior whip] I said I was really keen to get more involved in caucus and in the debating chamber, so long as I can still get around the Otaki electorate, which is really important to me because I'm in the unique situation of being in the most marginal electorate - [about] 380 votes - in the country.
What portfolio issue are you most interested in and why?
I'm excited about my junior whip's role. I see it as being a linkage between the front bench and the rest of caucus, particularly the 2005 intake, which is where I'm keen to build good lines of communication.
What stands out about National's new leadership team?
It's a blend of two things I believe - a young fresh face with some stability and experience in behind.
Does the party need to be more centrist and if so why?
I think with our new team we are going to attract more people than we would have in the past and that's going to be younger voters and female voters. I don't think we need to go roaring into the centre, I just think we need to pitch our message differently and we will connect with more people.
Which MPs outside National have you made friends with and/or have your respect?
I have played for the parliamentary rugby team so I've built up some good contacts through that. Shane Jones is one of those. He has depth and he's very articulate. Tariana Turia, because she has stood up for what she believes in. She connects extremely well with her core constituency.
What's the best book you read last year?
One by Lee Child, called Echo Burning and it's all about Jack Reacher - a thriller. He's an ex-army guy who ends up in trouble and saves the world.
Nathan Guy
* List MP from Otaki.
* 35, married, two children. Farmer.
* Promoted to junior whip, retains associate agriculture.
