Opinion: A shocking week in politics

Prime Minister John Key announcing his decision to resign. PHOTO/FILE

John Key has left the building. The smiling, Richie McCaw-loving, popular leader of the National Party has stepped down from the top job after eight years as prime minister and has given New Zealand one of the most bizarre and shocking weeks in politics that we have seen in this electoral cycle.

It's hard to tell what his legacy will be, as in the eight years of leading our nation only two pieces of legislation had his name on it, one being the defeated flag referendum. It was bold, newsworthy, but ultimately more about style than substance. It was a rushed process to achieve a quick outcome and $26 million being spent where it wasn't needed.

Even though we differ politically, I have nothing but respect for the time and dedication any politician puts into their parliamentary roles. His ability to sell his statements to the media and the New Zealand public is a rare skill that many politicians would love to have.

He has left on his own terms, with bold calls about family, flags and feelings, which I believe signals something that New Zealanders like in him.

Media have reported that the National Party leadership contest is all but over, with Bill English about to secure the top job. A telling and worrying sign according to media reports is that Rotorua's Todd McClay didn't come out publicly and back the new boss till after it was clear who the winner was. In a caucus of 55 - Mr McClay was not in the first 30 to endorse English.

Politics is a fickle world, where loyalties are tested. Some have the influence and standing to avoid making such public calls in a race like this for leader, people like Steven Joyce and Gerry Brownlee.

If there are to be casualties in the new change, in my view Mr McClay could be one of them, but one thing is for sure, the Cabinet reshuffle will have an impact, as Mr English will have his favourites and will in my view reward those loyal MPs who supported him early and publicly.

The new leader of the National Party must also be a sigh of relief to the Maori Party who claim to be "independent" but also endorsed Bill English for prime minister.

They are strange bedfellows this National-Maori Party Government, as the National Party have indicated historically their desire to be rid of the Maori seats. Claiming to be sitting at the table, doesn't mean a thing when you're only getting the scraps, which in my view is very clear to Maori at the moment where poverty is rife and the gains are hard to find.

On a personal note I am honoured to have been voted on to RECT. This charitable organisation does wonderful work and a clear mandate for change was obvious when both myself, Aunty Bea, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait and Stewart Edward were voted on.

I am really looking forward to serving Rotorua and I hope to bring a fresh perspective to this organisation. If you want to keep in touch, please contact me through my Facebook page and I can guide you through how RECT can help your charitable group to help make Rotorua a better place for our people.

- Tamati Coffey is the Labour Party candidate for Waiariki.