“Considering the swing away where the minor parties lost ground, my own candidate vote was against the general trend at 8 percent when the party vote nationally was only 7.5 percent and 10 percent in East Coast.
“My contribution has helped place NZ First in a strong position to influence the future direction of New Zealand politics,” Mr Tilley said.
“I was in the top eight out of 56 NZ First candidate votes nationally. I feel for the late entry and for first time up that was a satisfying result, and in particular getting in front of Gareth Hughes, who has been in Parliament since 2010.”
Mr Tilley also pointed to the difficulty of campaigning in one of the country’s biggest electorates, adding that he would run a different campaign if he were to stand again.
“It requires a full-time commitment, a healthy fighting fund of resource — both money and skills — and an early entry into the race for an electorate the size of East Coast. Say, at least six months campaigning prior to the election and 12 months planning.”
Gareth Hughes, who will return to Parliament as a list MP because of the Green Party’s overall showing, praised the efforts of his supporters in knocking on “more doors than ever”.
“Obviously a tough campaign for the Green Party but I’m extremely relieved that we’ve been returned to Parliament, and it looks like I’ll be joined in Parliament with the country’s youngest MP in 42 years, and hopefully the country’s first refugee member of Parliament.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of the next government, or part of a strong opposition to a fourth-term National Government.”
The Opportunities Party (TOP) East Coast candidate Lesley Immink said it had been a humbling experience from day one, with people she didn’t know offering their homes to host signs, drop brochures, door knock and do all they could to help get TOP across the finish line.
“It has been a privilege connecting with the people from the region, and a lot of fun campaigning with the other candidates.
“TOP can feel proud of its inaugural entry into politics with its evidence-based policies, and has certainly made New Zealand start to consider real and achievable solutions to some of our worst social and environmental issues.
“I was really pleased to engage with lots of people in Gisborne and loved it. I’m excited about the economic opportunities for Gisborne. I just hope National and Anne do a lot more for Gisborne, because it deserves it.
“Congratulations to Anne Tolley and to Kiri Allan (Labour) and Gareth Hughes (Green) who, via their party lists, will be in Parliament.
“Thank you to our TOP volunteers and to those who voted TOP or for me personally.”
Mrs Immink said she had been amazed with the response to TOP.
“Everyone I talked to knew of us. That was really interesting to have that level of awareness already, because there was no national campaign on TV. Most people really wanted to listen. We have awakened the conscience of New Zealand with the Opportunities Party.”
