KEY POINTS:
In our series on rising National MPs, Ruth Berry meets doctor-turned-politician Jonathan Coleman
Jonathan Coleman
GP, healthcare adviser
Married, aged 40
Northcote MP
Won broadcasting portfolio, retained associate health
Entered Parliament 35th on National's list, now ranked 26th in caucus
You have just finished your first year in Parliament. What has
surprised you?
It hasn't had a lot of surprises really, I've found it really interesting, it's been a good intro into the ups and downs of political life. It's been pretty much as I expected in many ways.
What has been your most embarrassing moment as a fledgling MP?
Well, I guess you could guess this one [a reference to being punched after smoking a cigar while enjoying the hospitality at British American Tobacco's corporate box at last year's U2 concert] I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my work and looking to the future.
How does being an MP compare to your previous job?
I worked as a medical doctor and did business consultancy. In terms of working as a doctor you're working with people on an individual basis, but as an MP you get the chance to do something on a wider scale and maybe make positive changes that affect the bigger segment of the population. I guess there's a lot of variation in your job as an MP and it's a job that almost never stops, it's 24/7 ... so it certainly holds your interest.
What are you passionate about achieving in Parliament?
I'd love to see a healthcare system where everyone gets access to the care they need and that's currently not what's happening. I'd also like to see living standards raised for all New Zealanders, I think that's a long-term thing we need to aim for, otherwise we are going to continue to lose people overseas.
Why were you given a portfolio promotion recently?
I guess you have to ask the guys who have given it to me, really. They are the guys that make the decisions.
What portfolio issue are you currently most interested in and why?
Well, I'm really interested in my new broadcasting portfolio. I think there's going to be some major developments over the next few years which are really going to determine the future of TV broadcasting. It provides a pretty amazing opportunity for us to get some policy out there that really distinguishes us from the Government.
What do you think of the recent agreement between the big beverage companies and the Government to remove sugary soft drinks from secondary schools?
Basically we believe in choice. There's nothing wrong with any of these drinks when they're used as treats and on an occasional basis, so I think the key to it is actually educating kids to make the right choices about food and drinks. I don't think banning them is going to have the desired results because kids are just going to buy those drinks outside the school gates. We want to get them to the stage where they don't want to have a Coke with every meal.
What stands out about National's new leadership team?
It's a young dynamic leadership team which is actually going to appeal across a broad section of society. It's going to bring voters in from groups we may not have necessarily appealed to previously. I think people are going to vote for that leadership team and not just on party lines.
Does the party need to be more centrist and if so, why?
I think it's a matter of communicating your ideas in ways that people don't feel threatened by. I don't think we need to change our policies, but I think we need to put them across in language they can relate to. I think that's what these guys are going to do and I think they are doing it already.
Which MPs outside of National have you made friends with and/or have your respect?
I respect a wide range of MPs across the spectrum and get on well with a number of them from different parties. But at the end of the day we're not in Parliament to make friends and we're all competing for the same jobs. You always treat people with respect, but you don't really spend enough time to form close friendships with people in other parties.
What's the best book you've read this year?
Scar Tissue. That's the autobiography of Anthony Ki, who is the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
