Election profile: Todd McClay

Politician Todd McClay and family Ana-Kiera (left), 10, Joshua, 16 (back), Caelen, 12, wife Nadene and Sam, 13. Photo / Stephen Parker

After six years as Rotorua's electorate MP Todd McClay is not resting on his laurels - he knows he's got a challenge on his hands.

But politics wasn't always something he was attracted to.

"When I left school my first job was cleaning cars on a car yard for the summer - 30 cars a day each and every day.

"I also delivered furniture for Smith and Brown and then worked in a sawmill in Taupo for about a year before deciding to go and study."

He headed first to a polytech in New Zealand before moving to Britain to complete a politics degree and started a masters degree in international law before entering politics working for the European Union.

"I realised I had a voice and wanted to use it to make my home a better place.

"The greatest reward is when we help people in our community - helping someone get into a home when the system is not treating them fairly, bringing families together where circumstances have conspired against them, making sure that the health system delivers for them, stepping in to make sure that vulnerable people young and old are better protected, these are the best parts of my job as Rotorua's MP."

Looking at the statistics, Mr McClay is pretty popular in Rotorua.

In his first election in 2008 he beat incumbent Labour MP Steve Chadwick by 17,700 votes to 12,635 and increased his majority to 7357 in 2011.

But it's not all hard work and trips to Wellington, he knows how to relax and enjoys spending time with his young family.

"Being your MP is a seven-day-a-week job and the hours can be very long, but in my down time I spend time with Nadene and the kids.

"I also like hunting and fishing and as my children get older they are starting to share this enjoyment with me. The last 18 months I've also found I enjoy exercise and go to the gym five or six times a week."

So, it's not surprising his favourite things can be found close to home.

"Beaches, barbecues, our lakes, sport, fishing, the All Blacks winning and my children are things I really enjoy."

Conversely, he does have a few bugbears.

"Violence, senseless actions and crime make me angry.

"Unnecessary and unreasonable red-tape and bureaucracy also frustrates me.

"But, being an MP is about problem solving and positively and constructively challenging how things are done in an effort to make them better."

Family: Nadene and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on December 31 with our children Joshua, 16, Sam, 13, Caelen, 12 and Ana-Kiera, 10. Nadene's parents live in Rotorua as does my brother Steven and his family.

Born and bred: Born in Rotorua as was his mother. "We were both delivered by Dr Trott." Raised in Reporoa and Taupo.

Who is your biggest inspiration? My children. Much of what I do has become about my ambition for them.

If you could make one new law tomorrow, what would it be? That crime against tourists becomes an aggravating factor in sentencing. Tourism is our biggest employer in Rotorua and is worth $500 million to the local economy each year. Crimes against tourists can and do have direct impacts on local jobs.

Who is New Zealand's best MP? Bay of Plenty MP and Minister of Health Tony Ryall. He is a dedicated constituent MP and has done an amazing job in the health portfolio. When I was appointed minister last year I worked with Tony as his Associate in Health. He has mentored me and taught me that this job is, and remains, about people.