BOTANY’S Pansy Wong is about to line up among the new faces around the National Government’s Cabinet table, taking on a clutch of four portfolios.
She will be the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Minister for Women’s Affairs, Associate Minister for ACC and Associate Minister for Energy and Resources.
Ms Wong says she’s “excited and humble” and intends to continue nurturing her reputation as a hard-working local Member of Parliament. “I’m looking forward to opening a new office in Chapel Rd in the new year. It will be extremely accessible to local people.”
Since the November 8 election, she says National’s new team of MPs has concentrated on analysing the results and getting ready for a debriefing in the coming parliamentary session.
“We will look at what our strengths are and some weaknesses. We do not intend to repeat mistakes. We intend to be here for a long time,” says Ms Wong.
“There’s a huge mandate for change in terms of safety, economic issues, also trusting people to get on with their lives.”
She’s overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill received from local Botany people.
“It has been a joy and a delight. I have always intended to earn my support. I have never taken it for granted. I have been on cloud nine and I’m already following up constituents’ issues.”
Ms Wong is adamant that everyone in the Botany community will be heard.
“No issue will be too small for me to take away and follow through.”
Meanwhile, eight-term Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson has lost his long-standing place in National’s leadership ranks and transport portfolio to newcomer Steven Joyce.
Demoted to No 21, Mr Williamson is the new Minister, from outside the Cabinet, responsible for Building and Construction, Customs, Statistics and Small Business.
Prime Minister John Key has refused to put Mr Williamson’s demotion down to punishment for controversial comments on road tolls during the election campaign. Mr Key says Mr Williamson has an important contribution to make but it will be from outside Cabinet.
