Voice for Labour Party

The Labour Party will have more of a presence in Rotorua with local businessman Fraser Newman appointed as the party's official spokesman.

Mr Newman said that traditionally electorates hadn't been able to speak on the party's behalf, but the new strategy will mean he is now able to comment.

"It definitely does give more of a presence."

Mr Newman said it was particularly important to have a local person able to comment on the issues, given that the closest Labour MPs were in Hamilton and Gisborne.

While he always had a keen interest in politics, Mr Newman became involved after returning to New Zealand two years ago.

"I've always been interested in economic and social issues."

Mr Newman, who manages McLeod's Booksellers, said he was interested in getting things done, which was part of the appeal of being involved in politics.

He said the role wasn't a paid position, and people would still need to see an MP for electorate issues.

However, for political concerns they could get in touch with him. Mr Newman said he was looking forward to getting stuck in to his role "all guns blazing".

He said it was "inappropriate" to comment as to whether he would be running to be the Labour candidate for Rotorua in the next election and said the role wasn't an automatic stepping stone to the candidacy.