West Auckland MP finds love in America

Paula Bennett. Photo / Supplied

"They're more than just good friends!" squealed a Parliamentary mole over the news that solo mum MP Paula Bennett has found love with an American man.

The Minister for Social development has, it seems, been developing a colourful social life.

"All I can tell you," the grass gushed, "is he is African-American and she met him on her big trip to the States last year."

Luckily Bennett was a little more forthcoming. I tracked her down in Washington last week and asked who she's dating: "He's tall, dark and handsome," she said.

Naturally hesitant to dish the dirt to this nosy hack, Bennett wouldn't divulge too much. Is he involved in politics? "Heck no!"

She did, however, reveal how their eyes crossed paths. "I met him in a bar last year, as a good Kiwi girl does," she laughed. "I saw him a couple of times since then, but unfortunately I'm not seeing him on this trip. It's all work. But I'm hoping he will come and visit me in New Zealand this year."

Last week, Bennett was attacked for being missing in action overseas on a four-day Washington sojourn amid allegations taxpayer money has been squandered on Community Max schemes.

"If the Minister was back in New Zealand often enough," Phil Goff scoffed, "she'd see the error of her ways."

Lighten up, Phillis. What's a girl to do when love is on the horizon?

Celebrity ads the new fad

Given that we're in a recession, it appears it's tough times even for our lofty TV types who typically would have turned down a crust form the commercial hand many now feed from.

Jeremy Wells, who has seldom been seen since Eating Media Lunch was scratched, popped up fronting promotional ads for a power company before traipsing around Europe following the NZ Symphony Orchestra for a doco.

A shift into celebrity advertising may have worked for Meridian, which trades off the beige suit and deadpan delivery, but what's it done for Jem? Swollen his wallet but deflated his credibility.

Last week, I found Miriama Smith presenting commercials for bargain-basement chain The Warehouse.

Dubbed a company "ambassador", Smith, better known for her roles on Shortland Street and NZ's Got Talent, roams the store hawking supplies. The company's spin machine fawns: "Miriama Smith will take you on a journey into our home wares, fashion and sporting departments and everything you need for growing kids."

Last year the actress fronted the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards and was the face of Les Mills International Ltd. The money must be good, but it's hardly the work of the Bard.

Luckily for Smith, TV work is not far away. Next month she will film the second series of Match Fishing League with actor Peter Elliott. Think macho adrenaline with bait, buoys and a babe.

Smith's agent at Johnson Laird insists the future is looking good, but remains non-committal. "Miriama has got lots in the pipeline, but nothing I can confirm to you right now. She's quite a busy girl."

-Herald On Sunday / View