Opinion: Nice start, now the work starts for Coffey

Tamati Coffey. Photo/File

New Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey's maiden speech in Parliament was met with a standing ovation and a queue of MPs - from across the house - standing to congratulate him.

Showing no signs of rookie nerves, perhaps unsurprising given his experience in the public eye, he spoke of the upbringing that had shaped him and the issues from the region he brought on his shoulders into Parliament.

From lights for the Murupara rugby ground to funds for the Opotiki aquaculture project, Coffey will have plenty of local causes to advocate for during his time in Parliament.

When he got to talking about Rotorua it was the lack of housing and homelessness he focused on. He wanted to help his people get their mana back.

He even threw in a tidbit that would have the women's magazine editors pricking up their ears when he suggested to partner Tim Smith - watching in the public gallery - they have some kids soon. Bless.

So his maiden speech had it all - humour, idealism, the issues and the personal touch.

Now, the hard work starts. He has big shoes to fill in the Waiariki electorate and will need to turn those promises into results to win over the skeptics.

Politics is no easy career and I admire anyone who has the will and determination to go down that path. Coffey has demonstrated he has the desire and appears to be growing in confidence and standing.

Now we wait to see how the next three years play out. I wish him all the best.