Fletcher Tabuteau proud of coalition Government's first year

New Zealand First deputy leader Fletcher Tabuteau calls Rotorua home. Photo / Ben Fraser

As tomorrow marks one year since the 2017 Election Day, reporter Zizi Sparks looked back on the year that was and the way forward for Rotorua-based MPs Todd McClay, Fletcher Tabuteau and Tamati Coffey.

Despite now being the deputy leader of New Zealand First, Fletcher Tabuteau still calls Rotorua home.

In a whirlwind year, Tabuteau was re-elected as a list MP last September and became deputy leader five months later.

He's proud of the progress the coalition Government has made.

"We've made a lot of promises but it's amazing how many we can say we've either done or are on our way to doing.

"We've got a Government that recognises we've got a lot to deal with."

Tabuteau said highlights of the past year included the launch of the forestry service Te Uru Rākau, based in Rotorua, the billion trees programme and investment into the area through the Provincial Growth Fund.

"On those alone it's pretty significant for Rotorua but then our whole regional economic development campaign was very much a conversation about Rotorua and how we could be doing so much better with a little more focus and support from the Government.

"Rotorua will be invested in significantly by this Government."

Tabuteau believed the biggest issue facing the area was housing.

"As much as we'd like to say we've solved it, it's actually a lot harder than that, we've got to build the houses. We've got to put systems in place and help people into homes."

Tabuteau campaigned on bringing big businesses into the regions and said that was happening.

"Business in Rotorua is going gangbusters, investment in commercial is as high as it's ever been and people are investing in their homes ... That just sends a great message about the confidence in Rotorua."

Looking forward, Tabuteau said his focus was on regional economic development.

As deputy leader, Tabuteau has a lot on his plate. He has wider concerns like a living wage, an inquiry into electricity prices and mental health. But he said Rotorua was always home.

"It's where I was born, it's where I was raised, it's where I'm raising my family and I'd love to be the MP here, but I've got to convince people."

About Rotorua-based, NZ First deputy leader Fletcher Tabuteau
- First elected in September 2014 on the party list and re-elected in 2017.
- Stood in the Rotorua electorate in 2017, 2014, 2011, 2005 and 2002.
- Succeeded Ron Mark as deputy leader of New Zealand First on February 27, 2018.
- Current Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Regional Economic Development and deputy chairman on the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
- Hails back to Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, and Ngāti Whakaue iwi.